Cypriot judoka, Sofia ASVESTA, has experienced a transformative period since her historic appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she competed in the women’s -52kg category and showcased her talent on the world stage. Following a successful European Judo Championships of the Small States in Cyprus, Asvesta opened up about her experience since the Olympics. Despite her physical readiness, she found herself emotionally drained.
After the Olympics, I felt physically strong and believed it was the perfect time to compete, so I decided to participate in the Zagreb Grand Prix just one month later. Despite advice from many coaches and friends who warned me that it would be a mistake and that most top athletes were taking a break instead, I remained focused and continued training intensely without resting.
However, two weeks before Zagreb, I started experiencing difficulties: I couldn’t sleep well, I was overthinking, and I was emotionally on the verge of burnout. Still, I didn’t realise the extent of my exhaustion. I pushed through my training, convincing myself, “Just one competition, and then I will rest.” Unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor decision, I performed poorly, and the disappointment hit me hard. I broke down and called my coach in tears. He comforted me, explaining that we are not robots and that competing in the Olympics requires an immense physical and emotional toll. He emphasised that everyone needs an extended rest after such an event to recover fully.
My coach told me that rushing back into competition was a mistake and that I needed to take a break, disconnect from judo, and enjoy some time off to regain my hunger for competition. It took time, but I eventually accepted that advice. Even though I cried many nights and blamed myself for not reaching my goal, I began to understand that healing and recovery take time.
After Zagreb, I immediately planned a week in the mountains with a friend, enjoying the natural beauty and the kind of landscape we don’t have in Cyprus. I then visited another friend in a village and even traveled to Italy, where I balanced rest with light training and experienced the incredible food. This change of environment helped me move past the disappointment of Zagreb. When asked about my plans for the year, I jokingly replied, “I’m not a judoka now; I’m a tourist on holiday.” My focus shifted from intense training to enjoying my time off.
Currently, I am continuing my break in Cyprus and plan to celebrate my father’s birthday in December with a family trip to Crete. I’m grateful to have this period to relax with my loved ones and recharge before the new season begins.
Lesson Learned
Asvesta candidly admits that she hasn’t fully embraced the significance of her Olympic journey. Her drive to reach podiums at Grand Prix, Grand Slam and senior Europeans has left her feeling unfinished.
There is still a sense of longing because I have never stood on the podium in senior competitions like these, and that is maybe small for some compare to an Olympic scale but it is a significant goal I continue to chase. I realise now that while I accomplished my dream of becoming an Olympian, it doesn’t mean my journey is complete. There are still so many more achievements I aspire to.
Despite all the above, Asvesta feels the impact she has made and remains inspired by the community’s support and she admits that her Olympic experience taught her valuable lessons.
My Olympic journey taught me that the dream of reaching the Olympics is built on years of hard work, countless competitions, and a relentless commitment to achieving your goals. You put everything you have into that one moment, and then, so quickly, it’s over. I have realised I should cherish that day and never forget it, even though it felt like a fleeting dream that I will have to work hard to experience again in four years... and yet, this experience gave me a renewed belief in myself, reassuring me that my path has been the right one. It also made me appreciate the life I have as a judoka, being able to dedicate myself daily to something I love. Judo has given me so much in return: unforgettable memories, wonderful friends, the chance to travel, and all the good vibes that come with it. I am confident that one day, I will be able to share these incredible stories with my future children and tell them what a special journey it has been to be a judoka.
Small States – Big Steps
Asvesta competed at the European Judo Championships of the Small States in Nicosia, Cyprus, past weekend. She won effortlessly as expected and yet she expressed her gratitude towards such an event, boosting other judoka from Small States of Europe to seek the benefit of it.
This event holds a special place in my heart. One of my first dreams in judo was to win gold at the European Small States Games, which I achieved in 2019 in Montenegro. It felt like a small dream that became a reality. Now, competing at this event is more about making my country proud and earning a medal for Cyprus. I enjoyed every moment. Having the chance to compete on home soil and showcase our hard work was incredible, especially knowing that the younger generation looks up to us. We can inspire them to train hard and strive for their dreams, just like we did.
This event was so important for us. Our federation put in immense effort to make it happen, and they did everything possible to host it successfully. It’s not easy to organise a competition at this level, but they managed to do it right. Events like this motivate athletes from small states to aim higher. When you become a champion at the Small States Games, or the European Championships, you believe in yourself more and give your best in bigger competitions abroad. For me, this was a stepping stone, a small goal that significantly fuelled my bigger dreams.
Looking to the Future
Asvesta is now planning for the next four-year Olympic cycle. She now understands the importance of balancing physical training with emotional wellbeing. Her goal is to attend all the major training camps (OTCs) to keep up with the top athletes. Regardless of the end of an Olympic debut, the journey these athletes share is near equivalent, both physically and often mentally. Asvesta’s ability to learn from setbacks and remain hopeful for the future serves as an inspiration, not only to athletes, but to anyone chasing a dream, whether from a small or large country.
Images: Sofia ASVESTA / Emanuele DI FELICIANTONIO / Gabi JUAN
Author: Szandra Szogedi