Anderson Silva Interested in 2016 Olympics, Drug Test Charges Loom Overhead
Anderson Silva’s mixed martial arts career is currently in limbo, as the situation surrounding two failed drug tests in Nevada unfolds, but the former UFC middleweight champion is still considering future athletic endeavors, apparently one of which includes a shot at the Olympics.
The Brazilian Taekwondo Confederation on Sunday posted on its website that Silva sent the group’s president, Carlos Fernandes, a letter “proposing and putting himself at the disposal to represent the sport,” purportedly to include the possibility of competing in the Taekwondo competition at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
“Everyone knows that for a high performance athlete, the Olympic Games are the dream of every athlete and so, would be no different with me,” Silva said in his letter to Fernandes. “When I was named the ambassador of the sport by President Carlos Fernandes, that feeling began to get even stronger and, being in my country, this Olympic spirit left me highly motivated.
“It would be a great pleasure to be part of this golden team, (which is run by) serious institution led by President Carlos Fernandes. So, I registered my desire to represent Taekwondo and Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio with all my esteem, strength and honor.”
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The Confederation website noted that nothing has yet been determined from Silva’s proposal, and that Fernandes was expected to meet personally with Silva this week to discuss the possibilities of Silva’s involvement.
Silva’s two drug tests that showed the presence of steroids in his system have yet to be addressed by the Nevada Athletic Commission, as Silva has twice requested and received continuances to respond to the charges. Silva tested positive for steroids both in a pre-fight out-of-competition test and again on fight night after his UFC 183 headlining bout against Nick Diaz.
Depending upon the eventual outcome of the case with the NAC, any disciplinary actions instituted by Nevada could affect the extent to which Silva could be involved in any Olympic endeavor.
