It was nearly the Olympic fairytale for Judo Austria’s Lubjana PIOVESANA. On the fourth day of the judo occasion within the Paris Olympic Video games, Piovesana got here out sturdy within the -63kg class, having already given a few of her finest performances thus far in 2024 and constructing her confidence inside a brand new workforce. It didn’t begin so easily although…
Once I first had the Austrian passport, I believe I used to be simply so nervous as a result of I hadn’t fought for thus lengthy, I used to be scoring waza ari in opening seconds after which I felt like I had no defence, additionally I felt a strain to show that I ‘nonetheless had it’, I had success earlier than however I had an enormous break. There was a yr out due to covid, I then fought within the Masters, then a two yr break.
After a few early exits on the IJF World Tour, it was again to the drafting board,
I fought in a European Open in Rome to get some fights, and took a bronze medal and it felt good to be again on the rostrum and to win a medal, then I positioned fifth within the Antalya Grand Slam once I felt extra assured. After this I took fifth place on the Worlds, after which it simply began to move once more, I additionally began working with a psychologist who actually helped me, so 2024 was a significantly better yr for me. When it was determined that I’d be preventing within the Olympics it was much more strain off my shoulders and I used to be extra relaxed.
Main as much as the Olympics we did two weeks in Porec, and truly I wasn’t preventing that effectively there, however afterwards we went to Valencia and Benidorm, and I actually felt like I had the most effective camp ever, and I even stated to Yvonne (Sir-Bönisch) that If the Olympics have been that weekend I believe I’d take a medal! [she laughs] So sure, a number of again to again after which it was time for Paris!
So, I went to Paris actually desirous to benefit from the expertise, so many individuals stated they weren’t going to the opening ceremony, after which there’s me, standing within the rain till 2am singing to Celine Dion, completely soaking moist. I simply thought that I’ll by no means be right here once more, simply take pleasure in it, the village was actually cool, I felt like a vacationer more often than not however trying again it was simply wonderful.
Despite the Olympic expertise, Piovesana was there to do a job and provides the most effective efficiency she may within the hopes of taking an Olympic medal.
I didn’t sleep so effectively the evening earlier than, I’ll say it affected my confidence, I simply didn’t really feel good. With my first battle I felt like I may win although, I knew her effectively and knew I used to be stronger, then once more I’ve actually tousled in conditions the place I’ve been successful so something may have occurred. After I received the primary, I had a battle that individuals have been speaking about, I’d seen Fb posts and folks have been speaking normally, however I simply put it in my head that everybody is there’s a laborious battle, I simply tried to not let it get in my head an excessive amount of that it’d be a GB participant.
It was actually an attention-grabbing quarter within the -63kg class, alongside Piovesana have been Lucy RENSHALL and Prisca AWITI ALCARAZ, and all three have been initially Nice Britain athletes. Although she managed to succeed over Renshall, Awiti Alcaraz now of Mexico took the win within the quarter last sending Piovesana to the repechage.
The repechage I believe was my favorite contest, in entrance of the group it was simply unimaginable, I misplaced to the Korean athlete (KIM Jisu) on the Worlds fairly shortly, so then to beat her shortly felt good as a result of she’s so sturdy. It was very nice, however preventing in opposition to Clarisse (Agbegnenou) was not! Standing within the tunnel wasn’t so dangerous and it wasn’t so loud till they introduced her title, the noise, it had nothing on the Paris Grand Slam or the European Championships.
Many would have struggled to get in to the competition with what appeared like your entire area in opposition to them, however Piovesana discovered her second wind.
At this level I actually felt like I had nothing to lose, I needed to give it completely every part and within the first minute it was going very well and I believe I simply acquired carried away. Then I did a left o soto gari that I’ve by no means achieved earlier than, on Clarisse of all individuals, and he or she simply completed it. It was humorous as a result of I had so many individuals on the road come as much as me as a result of they’d seen the battle along with her on TV.
My mother and father have been there, however Laurin (Boehler) and my dad have been within the area, they have been shouting for me however stated there was no probability I’d hear them. My mum was outdoors as a result of she didn’t need to are available and watch, she had no clue what was occurring so I referred to as her within the break earlier than the repechage, she was simply sitting outdoors ready.
I didn’t truly come again with the Austrian workforce as a result of they went again to Vienna which is sort of removed from me, so I used to be a bit unhappy, I took the practice and arrived house to Laurin, figuring out they’d all be at an enormous get together. So he instructed me we have been going to his mother and father for dinner, however once we arrived, all our associates and the judo membership have been within the backyard, all embellished with lights and ‘5’ all over the place! It was such a very good day, sure I missed out on the medal, however the fights have been large ones for me. It’s my finest end in my profession.
It’s been a pleasant break from competitors for Piovesana, however because the host of the Mittersill OTC, it’s a full camp for Crew Austria, the right technique to kickstart the brand new season and a bid for an additional Olympic Video games!
Judoka
Lubjana Piovesana
Writer: Thea Cowen
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