It has been well publicised by now, that Azerbaijan have waited a painstakingly-long 16 years for another Olympic gold medal. So it is sensational that they not only celebrate one but two from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. First up was Hidayat HEYDAROV in the -73kg category, whose story has a special element given the relationship to the last Olympic Champion, Elnur MAMMADLI.
The latter took his title in the same category in Beijing 2008, and it was an emotional win, his life changed in that moment and he knows the ins and outs of getting to that point. With this wealth of experience it only made sense that he invest his time in his protege and help him to the pinnacle of his career.
Prior to arriving in Paris, Heydarov had arguably the best preparation and had been collecting titles likes sweets, but the Olympic Games holds pressures unlike other tournaments, after all, this is once every four years. Heydarov knew this. Mammadli knew this, and this is how it went…
That day indeed was a special day from the beginning, because it was the first Olympic Games for Hidayat. We had really strong preparation, and we agreed the goal together with Hidayat, to become European, World and Olympic Champion this year. Now we can say that we have achieved our goal. It was a difficult path but at the same time, an honourable journey.
On the 29th of July, the day of competition, we woke up early in the morning as always. He said ‘I will become the Champion’ with determination in his face. I gave him great motivation, reminded him that we do not have any athlete who has won three titles, European, World and Olympic Games in a row, I told him his name will be written in the history of Azerbaijan after completing this treble.
It seemed that this motivation stuck with Heydarov throughout his preliminary rounds, seeing out his opponents and making it to the final against surprise of the day; world ranked #35 Joan-Benjamin GABA of France.
Before the final with the French athlete [Gaba] we spoke again, about the whole year and we both agreed there is no space inside this story for a silver medal.
A lot of people are behind this achievement who have given their support. Especially the President of our country Ilham Aliyev, our Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, the sports ministry, National Olympic Committee, our National Federation, medical team, coaching team, everybody did their best for this outstanding result. After 16 years in the -73 kg category, in my category, we have a Champion again.
For me, it feels as if my Olympic gold medal has been refreshed, but honestly, I can even say that the gold medal of Hidayat is more precious to me than my own gold medal as an athlete.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen