While the judo world turns its focus to Montpellier and the battles yet to unfold, another chapter quietly closes. Telma MONTEIRO, a beacon of excellence and perseverance in judo, has recently announced her retirement. Her journey, which has inspired countless fans and athletes, now transitions into a new phase, one filled with peace, gratitude, and promise.
A five-time Olympian, Telma, boasts an extraordinary record as a five-time world medallist and an 11-time European medallist. Amongst her 15 continental podium finishes, an impressive seven were earned consecutively, with six of them being gold. For many athletes, especially those of this calibre, retirement can be a crossroads fraught with uncertainty and doubt, but for Telma, the decision came naturally.
It wasn’t hard, I gave everything I had to give during all these years. Competing and training as a high-level judoka was incredible, not just for the results but because I genuinely loved the entire process. So now, emotionally, it was the moment when I felt happy and grateful for my entire career, but I no longer had the drive or hunger to keep pushing myself as I always had.
Retirement often prompts reflection, and Telma’s reflections are filled with peace and gratitude.
The decision is made, and I’m truly in a good place emotionally. I am at peace with everything I did. I was always faithful to myself, doing things in a way that felt right and aligned with my beliefs. I lived it all with such intensity that now I feel nothing but happiness and gratitude. It’s amazing to finish with this feeling because, for me, it means I was able to truly enjoy everything and find a balance between judo and my personal life, even while competing at such a high level, which I know can be challenging.
Her retirement wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. After the Tokyo Olympics, she made it clear that the run up to Paris 2024 would mark the final chapter of her storied career. For Telma, the future holds new adventures and long-awaited joys, some of which she has not had time for during her competitive career.
Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind is to enjoy more time with the people I love and travel without the “pressure” of competing or training. I’ll give myself the freedom to go with the flow and explore new activities that I might enjoy, including trying other sports, maybe boxing, just for fun.
This unstructured time represents a stark contrast to the disciplined life of an elite athlete but it’s a freedom Telma eagerly embraces and although her competitive days are behind her, the Portuguese sporting icon will carry the principles of judo into her next endeavours.
In everything I do, I will think and act like a high-level judoka, always trying to improve, stay true to myself, and uphold my values. These lessons, forged through years of dedication and hard work, will guide me in the new chapter of my life.
Telma’s message to aspiring athletes are both inspiring and grounded.
Nothing is impossible. Just set your goals, focus on finding the resources to achieve them, and always work hard. Stay humble in both victory and defeat. We are athletes for a certain period, but life is about much more than that. What truly remains is who you were as a person during your career, more than what you achieved. So, dream big, work hard but always stay humble.
Her advice encapsulates the essence of her legacy, a legacy not just of victories but of character, resilience, and humility. Telma Monteiro leaves behind a judo career that is nothing short of legendary but more importantly, she leaves a legacy of integrity and inspiration. As the judo world turns to its next battles, we pause to celebrate an icon whose impact transcends the sport.
Thank you, Telma, for showing everyone not only how to fight but also how to live. Your journey continues to inspire, and your legacy will endure.
Author: Szandra Szogedi