Couples competing in the same Olympic sport are not uncommon and can be fascinating to watch. These partnerships can offer unique benefits such as mutual understanding, support and motivation. On the other hand, it can also create some strange moments when individual celebrations are silenced for example in order not to hurt each other. After their double act in Tokyo, Ana Perez Box and Francisco Garrigos may not have ended up competing at Paris 2024, but during the qualifying process they walked side by side, through thick and thin. Ana indulges us in their journey.
It was a difficult situation but Fran and I were clear from the start that we were going to support each other. He has always been by my side even in the most difficult moments and I have done everything possible to help him and support him in everything he needed. From the first moment we both told each other that if he won this medal it would be ours.
And now it is…
On the day of the competition Fran was very calm, he is always like that and I had full confidence in him, although I admit that it was the day I was the most nervous ever. When he won the medal I broke down and started to cry, but as soon as I was with him I said to him “You have done it!” and he said “No, we have done it!”. It was a very emotional day that we will never forget.
What were the most difficult sacrifices on this journey?
Well, there haven’t been many, Fran and I have adapted to each other quite well, but we have been in a long distance relationship for many years, in which we tried to see each other as much as possible, but generally it was only on weekends and holidays.
And in this last year, although we have lived together, perhaps the biggest sacrifice has been trying to hide our emotions, Fran’s joy at certain times when I was sad or more worried, or then managing my sadness at times so as not to spoil Fran’s happy moments.
Knowing he was going to compete alone in Paris was similar, he felt bad and was sad many times. We have had difficult times but we have always known how to find the good side of everything and support each other. As we have already said, if I could not be in these Olympic Games fighting for a medal, Fran fighting and getting it would be like mine too. I think that is what has pushed us to continue forward all these months.
Are you planning another rollercoaster ride towards LA2028?
We haven’t decided anything yet, first of all a vacation, to disconnect from this last intense year and when we return we will decide our objectives, although Fran has been thinking about LA2028 since he got off the podium.
Managing a relationship while pursuing a career, especially in high-pressure fields like sport, requires careful balance and communication. Ana and Fran are a great example of how this can be done, and through all the ups and downs they have stuck together and celebrated each other. They demonstrate the potential for living the values of judo together, both on and off the mat. Congratulations are in order, not just for one, but for two.
Images: Ana Perez Box
Author: Szandra Szogedi