Talk about leaving it all on the tatami. Not one athlete left the World Championship tatami with less left in the tank that Zelim TCKAEV (AZE). To the point when his coaches reached him, he fell, exhausted in to their celebratory embrace.
It was a magical moment for Tckaev who battled Nugzari TATALASHVILI (UAE) for almost nine minutes for the world bronze medal, neither letting up at any point. In the end it was a third shido issued to Tatalashvili that concluded the contest, but it was an epic battle.
Speaking immediately following the contest, Tckaev was thinking about few things, but he was certainly feeling tired.
First I want to say thank you to everyone who was with me, to help me on my way, this medal is not just mine, it is for coaches, the federation, medical staff, I want to say again thank you. It was so difficult, that was the most difficult fight in my life.
Of course, fighting for a bronze meant there was an earlier loss, which was the semi final against the three-time World Champion, Tato GRIGALASHILI (GEO), but to pick yourself up and make the ‘save’ is hard, especially when you face someone who is coming off the back of a win in the repechage.
I could do it because I’m not alone, I have a big team and I have a family, I must be ready for every fight no matter the medal, gold or bronze. I’m disappointed about the semi final but now I want to be happy with the medal.
I will celebrate with the coaches, but first, I just want to call my daughter.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen