Dominican Judo Team Sets Sights on Historic Olympic Medal
The Dominican Republic’s judo team is gearing up for an ambitious Olympic cycle, aiming to secure the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport at the Paris 2024 Games.as thier debut at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Dominican judokas have yet to reach the podium at this prestigious event.
Ana Rosa, a gold medalist at the 2019 pan American Games in Lima, emphasized the importance of mental fortitude in achieving success. “Preparing the mind is the crucial first step towards achieving great results,” she stated after a rigorous training session at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center’s judo pavilion. Rosa, along with her teammates, are working closely with the Dominican Judo Federation (Fedojudo) coaches to hone their skills and mental resilience.
“We are mentally prepared to handle the pressure of major competitions,” Rosa affirmed during a visit by the Dominican Olympic Committee’s technical team. “Overcoming this pressure is essential for victory, and we are continuously refining our physical conditioning for this new Olympic cycle.”
The team’s immediate focus is on a series of upcoming international tournaments. They are scheduled to compete in the Pan American Championship in Lima, Peru, on April 16th, followed by the Bolivarian Games in Valledupar, Colombia, and the inaugural Caribbean Games in Guadalupe.
Estefanía Soriano, another gold medalist from the 2019 Pan American Games, echoed Rosa’s determination. “Our preparation is at its peak,” Soriano declared. “My goal is to represent the Dominican Republic with pride and stand atop the podium.”
The Dominican judo team’s recent success at the Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia, where they secured an impressive eight medals, the most of any Dominican delegation sport, highlights the promising future of the program.
This blend of youthful talent and seasoned veterans creates a dynamic and compelling force within the team. Coach Lázaro Lazos, speaking during a visit by the COD technical department to Fedojudo, highlighted this unique combination as a key strength.
The visit, which included Juan Febles Dalmasí, technical director of the COD; Leidi Germán, technical director of Fedojudo; and Miguel Merejo, technical manager of judo, underscored the commitment and support behind the team’s Olympic aspirations.
Chasing Olympic Glory: An Interview with Judo Champion Estefanía Soriano
Welcome back sports fans! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of Dominican Judo as we gear up towards Paris 2024. Joining me is none other than Estefanía Soriano, Pan American Games gold medalist adn key member of the Dominican Judo team. Estefanía, welcome to the show!
Estefanía: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Moderator: The Dominican Republic has a rich sporting history but has yet to claim an Olympic medal in judo. Your team has its sights set on making history in Paris. What’s the atmosphere like within the team right now?
Estefanía: The energy is electric! We’re incredibly motivated and determined to secure that first-ever Olympic medal. It’s a dream we’ve been working towards for years, and everyone is fully committed to making it a reality.
Moderator: you mentioned the “dream.” It’s clear this is more than just a competition for your team. It’s about representing your nation on the biggest stage.
Estefanía: Absolutely! It’s about pride, passion, and showing the world the incredible talent that comes from the dominican Republic. We want to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams,no matter how big they seem.
Moderator: Ana Rosa,your teammate and fellow Pan American gold medalist,spoke about the importance of mental fortitude.Do you agree that mental strength is as crucial as physical prowess in judo?
Estefanía: Without a doubt. Judo is as much a mental battle as a physical one.
You need to be able to control your nerves, focus under pressure, and maintain a positive mindset even when facing defeat. We work diligently with sports psychologists and incorporate mental training into our daily routines.
Moderator: I know you’re gearing up for a series of major tournaments, including the Pan American Championship and the Bolivarian Games. These are high-stakes events that can act as stepping stones towards Paris.
How important are these tournaments in your preparation?
Estefanía: they are absolutely crucial! These competitions give us the prospect to test our skills against the best judo athletes in the world. It’s a chance to fine-tune our strategies, identify areas for enhancement, and gain valuable experience under pressure.
Moderator: The dominican Judo program seems to be thriving,evidenced by the impressive eight medals secured at the Junior Pan American Games. How does this influx of young talent benefit the team’s overall progress?
Estefanía: It’s fantastic to see the next generation of judo stars emerging. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they bring a fresh perspective to our training. The veterans on the team act as mentors, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help nurture their talents.
Moderator: It sounds like a winning combination! We will all be watching closely as the Dominican Judo team continues its journey towards Paris 2024. Estefanía, any final words for our readers?
Estefanía: Believe in your dreams, work hard, and never give up! Anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Moderator: Thank you so much for your time and inspiring words, Estefanía!
it’s clear that the Dominican judo team has the drive, talent, and unwavering spirit to achieve greatness on the world stage. What are your predictions for their performance? Will Paris 2024 witness history in the making? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the discussion going!
