For Tara BABULFATH of Sweden, 2024 has been a wild ride. Claiming her first Grand Slam, Grand Prix, Senior World Championships medals, and then the cherry on the cake, an Olympic bronze medal. It was a fairytale experience unlike no other, however it could have all come crashing down.
It was not punished on site during the Paris Olympic Games, but her actions during the semi final after being issued a third shido, resulted in a three month suspension from the sport. For spectators, it was a somewhat shocking moment, a typically unusual reaction that could have jeopardised Babulfath’s position in the Olympic Games. So how did she get to that point on the opening day of the judo in the Paris Games?
I was very relaxed actually, very excited and I felt that, I could only do my best, I had taken myself all the way there and of course I wanted to win, but I was happy.
In the semi final, I had practiced a lot, I knew she liked to arm lock and has a good tomoe nage so I had trained for this, I really felt like I could win this and I was so close to the Olympic final. It’s the biggest goal and dream for me, the one I’ve had for so many years, I’ve wanted to be Olympic Champion my whole life.
Then, in that moment, I was asking the referee why, I wanted them to watch it back, I wanted a replay. If the decision was made in this U23 event or a Grand Slam or something, my reaction would not have been the same, but this was a different situation, the feelings were completely different, my emotions, everything.
After the contest I really felt like I’d done my best so I came off to recharge. all in my head was that this can never happen again, I just wanted to train harder. For me, it was like putting oil in the fire, I thought I had worked hard before but then I wanted more. I want to train so hard and never be in that situation again.
I felt like, I cannot do anything about it, this is not a normal situation, I don’t like to act like this, I didn’t want to take that moment away from Tsunoda, it is was still her Olympic final and her moment. This doesn’t happen to me in every tournament, this is not how I am. Now I will move on, go forward and make sure I work to make my judo better.
Despite the semi final result, Babulfath managed to pick herself back up, and went on to secure the bronze medal at only 18 years old, an incredible feat by any means. Now with this experience, she will undoubtedly go on to greater victories.
Author: Thea Cowen