Taking to social media today, one of the greatest characters on the tatami, Sami CHOUCHI of Belgium announced his retirement. It will be a great miss for spectators and judoka alike who have watched him closely throughout his career.
Starting with European junior results in 2012, he sparked interest with a Junior European Championship medal the following year. It was only up and up for him after this, claiming continental open medals, and finally landing on the big stage in 2018 with a Grand Prix win in Cancun, and a Grand Slam win in Tbilisi in 2021.
Of course he also celebrated huge achievements at the top level of Europe, claiming a championships silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.
Today I’m announcing my retirement from my international judo career. A decision that comes straight from my heart – and from my body. The pain is no longer worth the price. I’m deeply grateful for every person I’ve met, every emotion I’ve felt, and every lesson I’ve learned through this sport. Every fight, every fall, every hug – thank you. I carry you all with me.
The uniform comes off but the values stay. Judo shaped me. It educated me. And I’ll honour that for the rest of my life. Thank you for walking this journey with me. With love, Sam.
He may be stepping back from the tatami looking for ranking points of his own, but watch this space, this isn’t the last we’ll see of Sami!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen