Silva won gold in the 57 kilograms category at the Pan American Games in Lima earlier this month, her first major championships victory since an emotional home victory at Rio 2016.

The 27-year-old Brazilian admitted she is constantly thinking ahead to next summer as she prepares to take part in the World Championships.

Speaking to the Olympic Channel, Silva said: "You always think of it, in every practice, every competition we're in, we always have Tokyo 2020 in mind."

Silva, who grew up in the Rio de Janeiro slum Cidade de Deus, became a national superstar after her 2016 gold, and revealed her life has been improved immeasurably in the last three years.

"It has been important for my growth as an athlete; in the community, I never got anything easily, but that strengthened me to be the athlete that I am today," she said. 

"The gold medal changed my life a lot, people recognise me in the street, the love that I receive from people has changed me considerably.

"On the financial side, I have got sponsors and have been able to help my family."

The judo World Championships get underway tomorrow, with insidethegames providing live coverage from Tokyo.