Lasha Shavdatuashvili is one of the most decorated judoka not only in Georgia but in the world,
with a full set of Olympic medals. He is a World and European Champion. But what he did now
was spectacular: The 34-year-old claimed his second European title 13 years after his first
victory. Talk about longevity in the sport.
He felt the love and support of an adoring home crowd and it was one of the most emotional
moments of his long career.
“It’s a very great day,” Shavdatuashvili said. “After the Olympic Games, I lost some competitions,
but today I became a two-time European Champion. And that is important for the young
generation: Never give up! No matter if I’m old or I’m young, but I always show the best results
for my country and I’m very happy to take my second European [gold] medal in Georgia. I’m very
proud.
“Sometimes when I lose a competition, I’m thinking, maybe I just finished my career, but then
when I show today how I can fight in the European Championships, it shows the young
generation to never give up. Really, comeback dreams come true,” the Georgian judo star
added.
The final was a tough one. Shavdatuashvili was up against another giant in his category, the
reigning Olympic Champion Hidayat Heydarov of Azerbaijan.
“I planned with my coach what kind of tactic to pursue for the fight in the final. I’m very happy
to compete in the final against the Olympic Champion from Azerbaijan. I showed my best fight
and became the Champion. I am now 34 years old, but that does not matter. It is just a
number.”
Even after all these years, the success, the defeats, Shavdatuashvili stays motivated.
“No matter what kind of level the competition is, I show my best, show my best result,” he said.
“I try everything; I don’t blame others or blame the referees. I want to show my best and always
I trust that when I give it my all, success will come.”
Judoka
Author: Tatjana Flade