Former World champion Nils STUMP (SUI/73) has been growing a beard since February, when the 27-year-old German-Swiss was able to train again without restrictions. The pain from his shoulder operation last November has been history since the beginning of the year. His freedom of movement has been fully restored and his fitness has returned. Since winning the Grand Slam tournament in Dushanbe (TJK) at the beginning of May, Stump knows that he is practically back to his old self. Apart from the beard…
“This bronze medal at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi means a lot to me. It shows that I can fully compete again. We’re on course for the Olympic Games – I’m definitely a force to be reckoned with in Paris,” says the world number eight.
This will be Nils Stump’s second Games since Tokyo. Back then, he was knocked out in round one without a sound. “Now I’m more mature and more experienced in competition. My whole family, my girlfriend and my closest friends will be there in Paris in the Champ de Mars arena. I’m looking forward to 29 July, the third day of the competition, when the middleweight title will be decided.
“Up to 10 athletes have what it takes to win gold. And I’m definitely one of them. That’s all I’m thinking about.”
In any case, the Olympic test run in Abu Dhabi was a real success.
Author: EJU Media