Tais Pina, a talented judoka has experienced a whirlwind of emotions and challenges as she navigates the final chapter of her junior career. Despite her best efforts, the 2024 European Championships Juniors in Tallinn did not go as planned, leaving her feeling a mix of disappointment and determination. “I feel a little bit sad for losing in the first round in this European. I really wanted to end my last year as a junior with a medal, but it was not possible,” Pina reflects.
It has been an intense few years for the Portuguese judoka, although she didn’t have the chance to compete in 2022 due to unforeseen circumstances, Pina never stopped training, staying committed to her sport even when things didn’t go as planned. The road to the junior European Championships was intense, with her preparation heavily bolstered by the Olympic preparation too. Up on landing from Paris, she attended dedicated camps in Portugal designed specifically for this event.
“This year has been a rollercoaster for me since the Paris Grand Slam in February,” she says, describing a season packed with competitions and training camps aimed at Olympic qualification. Juggling the demands of elite sport, she made the difficult decision to pause her university studies, focusing all her energy on her sudden realised dream of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. “There were times that I thought I wouldn’t make it, but in the end, with some luck too, all the effort was worth it.”
Competing at a high level this year has been a transformative experience for Pina, solidifying her ambitions and reinforcing her goals for the future. “Having the opportunity to compete at a high level made me realise where I really want to be,” she explains. The bittersweet memories of her time at the Paris Olympics continue to motivate her to push harder and aim higher as she sets her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games.
Looking ahead, Pina’s focus remains on personal growth and continuous improvement. “My plan for now is to return to univeristy, keep working and improving to be a better version of myself and to end up doing better than this year,” she says. Despite facing a minor knee injury, she remains optimistic about her recovery. “My knee is not the best at this point, but I think it’s just a little injury, and it will be fine soon.”
Although her attendance at the upcoming junior world championships is yet unknown, with her resilience, passion and unyielding drive, Pina is determined to bounce back stronger, using the lessons of this year to fuel her journey toward greater achievements in the years to come.
Author: Szandra Szogedi