The five big moments in judo 2021 are a display of the greatest achievements on the world judo scene. Among those five moments, the International Judo Federation included the historic gold of Barbara Matić (up to 70 kg) at the 2021 World Championships in Budapest, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.
”I am pleasantly surprised and happy because they have recognized this historical moment for Croatian judo as one of the moments of the year. I am proud because my gold is among the nominations, and when you see what society I am in, it is only an additional incentive for me to continue working. When I saw the video nominations I remembered that special day in my life. A lot of people commented to me that their eyes watered again and that they celebrated as they did that day”, said Barbara Matić with satisfaction.
In September, Total Croatia News interviewed the world champion and number one judoka at her training center, Judo Klub Pujanke in Split. Daniela Rogulj from TCN spoke with Barbara about her Split background, her favorite moments this year, her experience at the Tokyo Olympics, her life outside of Judo, and her next goals to achieve. You can watch the full interview below.
In addition to Barbara’s gold, among the nominees for the moment of the year are the first team gold at the Olympic Games (France), as well as three moments that show why judo is more than a sport. The friendship between Slovenian Tina Trstenjak and Frenchwoman Clarisse Agbegnenou, which was shown after the finals of the Olympic Games (up to 63 kg), when the Frenchwoman lifted Trstenjak and showed how much she appreciates her.
Then a friendly hug from best friends, Frenchman Cyril Maret and Joseph Tehrec after the semifinals of the Grand Slam Paris and lifting and carrying the injured Wakaba Tomita, a compatriot, by Sarah Asahina after the World Cup final, which delighted the whole world.
”Judo shows every day how beautiful it is. I am extremely proud that Barbara’s gold, a display of everything we have done for 20 years for Croatian judo and Judo Klub Pujanke, are among the nominees for the moment of the year in world judo. At the same time, it is an obligation to continue even stronger in the new Olympic cycle and at the Games in Paris in 2024”, said Vladimir Preradović, Barbara Matić’s first and only coach.
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