This is what winners look like. “My head hurts and I’m really exhausted. Every one of my fights was tough,” gasps the newly crowned 3-time world champion Tato GRIGALASHVILI (GEO). He was on the mat for five encounters and 20:37 net minutes on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The strain is written all over his face. His head is adorned with a huge bandage. The 24-year-old repeatedly grabs his forehead. But his eyes are shining: “I’ve done it again. The first goal was the European Championship title in Zagreb in April – CHECK! Now I’ve also defended the World Championship title. Abu Dhabi, May 2024 – CHECK! Now all that’s missing is point 3: Olympic gold in Paris…”
He still has unfinished business from his Olympic premiere in Tokyo in 2021: “I didn’t achieve my goal there and only came fifth. I want to make up for that this summer. The Olympic Games are my biggest goal, Paris will be my most important competition.”
Tato then switches back to the present: “These successes, my 3 World Championship titles, would not be possible without my environment. If you don’t have anyone worth fighting for, then you won’t be successful. I fight for my family, my friends, my coaches… and of course for my country. That’s the only way I can always be in top shape on day X.”
30 July is marked in red in the calendar. That’s when the category up to 81 kg is scheduled at the Olympic judo tournament. Then Tato wants to complete his 3-point plan…
Author: EJU Media