Montréal, December 5, 2024 – For Louis Krieber-Gagnon, the time has come to retire from his athletic profession. The Québécois, who has been a member of the senior nationwide crew since 2016, has determined to maneuver on from high-level sport, which he’ll do together with his head held excessive and loads of ambition for the longer term.
“I’m very at peace with my choice. I achieved numerous nice issues in judo, and though I didn’t obtain all my objectives, I can’t change the previous. At this level, I wish to concentrate on the current and transfer on with my new life,” revealed Krieber-Gagnon, who had been aiming for final summer season’s Paris Olympic Video games, till an damage he sustained on the Pan-American Championships put an finish to his hopes of representing Canada within the French capital, main him to spend quite a lot of time reflecting on his future as an athlete.
“After my damage, I attempted to come back again for the World Championships, but it surely didn’t work out. So I took a break all summer season, which allowed me to spend extra time with my household and get to know myself once more,” he defined.
“The choice got here naturally. After a lot reflection, I spotted I used to be not prepared to make all of the sacrifices required to be a high-level athlete for the subsequent 4 years. I wished to concentrate on my private life.”
Consequently, he has not been on the tatamis for the previous few months, and he’s devoting himself to finishing his bachelor’s diploma in finance, whereas holding down a full-time job in advertising and marketing.
“It’s very totally different, however I discover it motivating. I like what I do, and I do know that my research will open many doorways for me sooner or later. I’ve numerous plans, I’m near my household, and I’m completely happy,” stated Krieber-Gagnon, who hopes to sooner or later maintain a administration place in finance or data expertise.
From pastime to worldwide competitors
When six-year-old Louis started working towards judo, little did he know he would sooner or later compete on the highest ranges of the game. And but, he has amassed over twenty medals through the years, in addition to numerous recollections.
“It was a little bit of a fluke,” he stated. “My mother and father wished me to take up a sport, so I attempted a number of, together with swimming and gymnastics, however I didn’t actually like them. So I ended up on the Shidokan judo membership close to my home, and I by no means appeared again!”
What started as a leisure pastime shortly turned a ardour for the now 28-year-old athlete. After making his mark on Canadian soil, he broke by the worldwide ranks on the cadet stage, then made his identify internationally by profitable the cadet under-81 kg world title in Miami in 2013.
“I used to be younger, and on the time, I didn’t actually understand what I had achieved. However now, wanting again, it’s certainly one of my fondest recollections!”
“It was an ideal day on his half,” stated Nicolas Gill, his former coach on the time and precise chief government officer of Judo Canada. “It was Judo Canada’s very first Cadet World Championship title, and in a really aggressive class! This victory marked the start of a really spectacular profession, and he might be happy with what he has achieved.”
Within the years that adopted, Krieber-Gagnon took half in three junior world championships and 4 senior world championships, in addition to one other forty worldwide competitions, together with eighteen Grand Slams, the place he completed fifth in Antalya in 2022 and seventh in Tokyo in 2017.
“Trying again, I understand that I had numerous wonderful help, from a really younger age,” recalled the Montrealer. “Even once I was very younger, I had the chance to coach with a number of members of the senior nationwide crew, which helped me loads. There was some luck concerned [in my career], however above all, it took numerous self-discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance.”
One among his fondest recollections is the day he gained the silver medal on the 2023 Pan-American Championships in Calgary.
“The yr earlier than, I had been injured, so I used to be completely happy to come back again sturdy and win that medal at residence in Canada, in entrance of our followers,” he stated. “Though every certainly one of my medals has its personal significance, that one is especially particular to me. However each time I stood on the rostrum, it marked a brand new milestone in my sports activities profession, they usually’re all nice recollections.”
You will need to be aware, nevertheless, that Louis Krieber-Gagnon is exiting his judo profession with extra than simply medals and athletic achievements. He’s additionally retiring with a well-stocked toolkit and relationships that may endure properly past his sports activities profession.
“Judo gave me loads, and people issues will certainly serve me properly. On the tatamis, I discovered about self-discipline, the significance of bodily health, the best way to settle for suggestions, and resilience. The identical goes for all of the individuals I met alongside the way in which, with whom I’ll stay associates without end. What I’ll keep in mind most are the wins, the training experiences, and the crew spirit,” he concluded.
Louis will definitely be missed, as he was one of many unifying forces throughout the Canadian crew, based on his former teammate and now nationwide head coach, Antoine Valois-Fortier.
“Louis might be the most-liked athlete I’ve ever recognized! To know him is to develop into associates with him, as a result of along with being an excellent athlete, he’s one of many nicest individuals you could possibly ever meet. He celebrates all people’s wins, and he’s at all times completely happy for others. He’s the type of particular person you need in your crew, and wherever he goes, the individuals round him will profit from that.”
Krieber-Gagnon intends to proceed working towards judo within the years to come back, and even plans to coach together with his nationwide teammates every now and then, only for enjoyable. One factor is for certain: Every time he goes—be it on the tatamis, in his private life, or in his skilled atmosphere—he’ll have the ability to proudly and enthusiastically share his recollections of the years he spent in high-level sport.
