During the opening ceremony of the European Judo Championships Juniors Tallinn 2024, a special ceremony took place in the form of an official farewell for Mattias Kuusik, who has retired from competitive judo. He reflects on his journey as now a former elite athlete.
When I realised that I won’t be able to qualify for the Olympic Games I decided to retire with my last official events being the Tallinn European Open and the Chengdu FISU World University Games in 2023. As my real final act I competed at the national championships this year where I won gold in January and since stepping off the competitive field I have been working as a strength and conditioning coach. So in a way I am still very much in sport and will surely remain in the field.
Since January, Mattias has really distanced himself from judo and instead turned to running with a target in his hand.
I started running with the aim to run a marathon which is scheduled in October. After this marathon I think to return to the mat on a recreational basis.
Mattias is Estonia’s only U23 European champion so far, and with that, he has his own story to tell;
I remember I had an operation in January 2018 with my shoulder so I was out for six month, I came back and won the European Cup in Malaga and two weeks later I became U23 European Champion so this was very big achievement for me and for sure the highlight of my career.
The Unibet Arena, the venue for the 2024 junior European Championship, as well has a unique tale.
This sports hall is close to my heart as this is the place where I won my cadet European bronze medal in 2013. It is a very special place for me. It is the perfect place to get this little farewell party and it is an honour for me to have my career acknowledged here.
As we head into the final block of the second day of the event here in Tallinn, Mattias has one last message for the youngsters competing;
Don’t ever let anyone to put you down becuase only you know what you are capable of. The most important thing is always to believe in yourself.
Kõike head teile Mattias – All the best for you Mattias!
Author: Szandra Szogedi