Whereas the judo world turns its focus to Montpellier and the battles but to unfold, one other chapter quietly closes. Telma MONTEIRO, a beacon of excellence and perseverance in judo, has not too long ago introduced her retirement. Her journey, which has impressed numerous followers and athletes, now transitions into a brand new part, one crammed with peace, gratitude, and promise.
A five-time Olympian, Telma, boasts a rare file as a five-time world medallist and an 11-time European medallist. Amongst her 15 continental podium finishes, a powerful seven had been earned consecutively, with six of them being gold. For a lot of athletes, particularly these of this calibre, retirement could be a crossroads fraught with uncertainty and doubt, however for Telma, the choice got here naturally.
It wasn’t arduous, I gave every part I needed to give throughout all these years. Competing and coaching as a high-level judoka was unimaginable, not only for the outcomes however as a result of I genuinely cherished all the course of. So now, emotionally, it was the second once I felt pleased and grateful for my whole profession, however I now not had the drive or starvation to maintain pushing myself as I all the time had.
Retirement typically prompts reflection, and Telma’s reflections are crammed with peace and gratitude.
The choice is made, and I’m actually in a superb place emotionally. I’m at peace with every part I did. I used to be all the time devoted to myself, doing issues in a approach that felt proper and aligned with my beliefs. I lived all of it with such depth that now I really feel nothing however happiness and gratitude. It’s superb to complete with this sense as a result of, for me, it means I used to be capable of actually get pleasure from every part and discover a steadiness between judo and my private life, even whereas competing at such a excessive degree, which I do know may be difficult.
Her retirement wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment determination. After the Tokyo Olympics, she made it clear that the run as much as Paris 2024 would mark the ultimate chapter of her storied profession. For Telma, the longer term holds new adventures and long-awaited joys, a few of which she has not had time for throughout her aggressive profession.
Actually, the very first thing that involves thoughts is to get pleasure from extra time with the individuals I really like and journey with out the “stress” of competing or coaching. I’ll give myself the liberty to drift and discover new actions that I’d get pleasure from, together with attempting different sports activities, possibly boxing, only for enjoyable.
This unstructured time represents a stark distinction to the disciplined lifetime of an elite athlete nevertheless it’s a freedom Telma eagerly embraces and though her aggressive days are behind her, the Portuguese sporting icon will carry the rules of judo into her subsequent endeavours.
In every part I do, I’ll assume and act like a high-level judoka, all the time attempting to enhance, keep true to myself, and uphold my values. These classes, cast by years of dedication and arduous work, will information me within the new chapter of my life.
Telma’s message to aspiring athletes are each inspiring and grounded.
Nothing is inconceivable. Simply set your targets, deal with discovering the sources to attain them, and all the time work arduous. Keep humble in each victory and defeat. We’re athletes for a sure interval, however life is about way more than that. What actually stays is who you had been as an individual throughout your profession, greater than what you achieved. So, dream huge, work arduous however all the time keep humble.
Her recommendation encapsulates the essence of her legacy, a legacy not simply of victories however of character, resilience, and humility. Telma Monteiro leaves behind a judo profession that’s nothing in need of legendary however extra importantly, she leaves a legacy of integrity and inspiration. Because the judo world turns to its subsequent battles, we pause to have a good time an icon whose influence transcends the game.
Thanks, Telma, for exhibiting everybody not solely the way to combat but additionally the way to dwell. Your journey continues to encourage, and your legacy will endure.
Creator: Szandra Szogedi
Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail
