Rio Taekwondo Prospect Cauã Batista Dies at 18 Days Before National Selection

Overview

• The 18-year-old was hospitalized for about a week at Hospital Municipal Miguel Couto in Rio de Janeiro and died on Tuesday night.
• Officials have not disclosed the cause of death, and outlets reported prior appeals for blood donations to support his treatment.
• He was registered for the Seletiva Aberta Nacional starting Thursday and was set to represent Rio de Janeiro in the adult up to 63 kg category at Arena Carioca.
• The Brazilian Taekwondo Confederation praised his dedication and expressed condolences to family, friends, and the sport’s community.
• Escola Soares Team, where he trained since age nine, mourned his death and added a symbolic star to its emblem, and the Alcateia academy also issued condolences.