When hosting an event of any calibre, it always presents a unique opportunity for young athletes to gain invaluable international experience. The European Judo Open in Tallinn was no exception and for twin brothers Edward and Robert Jakimov, it was the perfect springboard into the world of senior judo.
Born just nine minutes apart, the 18-year-old twins both competed in the -66kg category on the opening day of the event. Although their journey in the tournament ended in the early rounds, the experience gained from their first senior international competition was, in their own words, “one to remember”.
Edward drew a challenging opening bout, facing top-seeded Charlie Young of Great Britain. Yet, in a moment of brilliance, the young Estonian stunned the favourite with a waza-ari from their very first exchange. Though Young went on to win the contest, Edward took great pride in the performance.
“Because it was my first senior competition, I was very nervous, but when I stepped on the tatami, I was calm and ready to fight. Scoring that waza-ari right away, yes, it was surprising, but it was a really good score.”
Asked whether he felt pressure to hold onto the lead, Edward was open: “A little bit, yes. I understood that he is a good fighter, so it would be hard to keep that lead but what happened, happened.” He went on to reflect on the overall experience of being on home soil. “As my first senior event, I think it went quite well. I competed for the first ever time at home last year, during the junior Europeans. I hope in the future it will get even better. Fighting at home helped me a lot, I felt more confident, and mentally it was much easier.”
For Robert, who was making his first-ever competitive appearance in Estonia, the emotions were much the same.“At first, I was very nervous too but I calmed down quickly and was ready to fight. My opponent was very strong, and even though I lost, I did my best. Next time, I hope I will win.” Robert also spoke about the emotional boost of competing at home. “It’s mentally easier when the home crowd is cheering for you. It really lifts you up.”
Adding an intriguing layer to their story, Edward and Robert are the sons of Ruslan Jakimov, the current President of the Estonian Judo Federation. When asked whether that brought any added pressure, the brothers responded simultaneously with a smile: “Not at all. We didn’t feel any extra pressure. In the team, we are just like everyone else, doing our best.”
Their mature perspective is refreshing, and their ambition is already pointing to the future. Next year, as the pair enter their final year as juniors, they are determined to make their mark. Robert: “I now understand I can fight at the senior level. I’ll keep working hard for the juniors next year and beyond.”
Edward echoed the sentiment: “This competition showed me that anything is possible at this level. I need to work even harder, and I believe more victories will come.”
Above all, both brothers highlighted how meaningful it was to share the experience, not just between themselves as twins, but with their entire family. “Competing at home definitely gives something extra,” they agreed. With determination, humility, and the advantage of early exposure to top-level competition, the Jakimov brothers will now carry this experience forward as they prepare for their next sporting challenge.
Author: Szandra Szogedi