One of the judo supremes of Russia decided to step away from the competitive level. World Bronze medallist, European Champion and European Games winner, Kamal Khan-Magomedov announced his retirement yesterday afternoon. The Russian judoka wrote the following on his social media site:
“Good afternoon dear friends and judo fans. I want to say that a couple of days ago I officially announced my retirement from great sport, I can no longer be in uniform and be away 300 days in the year. I’ve always tried to make judo beautiful, beautiful to quit, to have an audience and even a beautiful fall. My motto remains the same “winning beautiful” hope that judo won’t lose, and will a lot of talented, explosive, fast and strong spirit guys! It’s my job to give my whole experience to the new generation! Thank you to everyone who had been rooting for me and who loved my judo, I appreciate all of you and apologize to those who couldn’t answer the letters. With respect to Kamal Khan-Magomedov!”
EJU Media Team also had the opportunity to conduct a short interview with multiply IJF World Tour medallist, Khan-Magomedov.
How long have you been think about retirement? When and what made you take the final decision?
“I wanted to leave right after the Olympic Games where I didn’t make it, I thought a lot and decided that I had to leave and forget the old to start something new.”
Did you have a battle in your heart and in your mind or was it a smooth decision? How did you settle with the thoughts of retirement?
“It was very difficult because I didn’t manage to have a chance to win medal from the Olympic Games. I feel not fully revealed. At the same time, I understand that I’m not young and I have a lot of injuries. So, I got ready with my thoughts and decided to leave. It was a difficult decision.”
Looking back, how would you describe your journey as an elite athlete?
“My arrival and my Judo career was the best times! I earned respect amongst people, been appreciated as well for my personality and earned my best friends among my team-mates! Nevetheless, I do not want to return to the past, because I have new life, new goals!”
Would you have done anything differently?
“I think that everything happened as it had to. Good or bad, there is no reason to change anyhting.”
What is the most memorable moment in your career? And why?
“Despite the fact that I have medals from individual championships, my most memorable moment is the World Judo Team Championship in Brazil (2012), when we won the World Champions title as a team, for me this day was remembered by the joy of the whole team! And only the victory, without disappointments, because what can be more beautiful when there are no losers and everyone is happy!”
What is the best advice you have been given as an athlete?
“I got a lot of advice, but I always fought spontaneously. I always liked to get the audience, so winning on penalties was not an option for me.”
What are your plans now?
“Maybe I’ll be the national coach, and then my plan will be to bring up worthy people, strong and smart.”