Julián Sánchez Herrero has been practicing judo since his childhood. However, after becoming runner-up in Spain in the 90s, his studies and professional career separated him from competition for many years. In February, at 61 years of age, his need to test himself and his curiosity led him to participate in the Spanish Cup in Madrid, winning the M7 -81kg category. Motivated by his first victory in a Spanish Veterans Cup, Sánchez Herrero intensified his training and won his second Spanish Cup, which was held in May in the city of Vitoria, where he beat the Galician judoka Avelino Martínez Pérez.
After winning two Spanish Cups, one of the fundamental requirements required, his judoka mentality and courage led Julián Sánchez to decide to compete in the International Judo Federation (IJF) Veterans Judo World Cup. The World Cup, which can be followed through Judo TV, will begin on November 4 in the American city of Las Vegas, and will feature the participation of more than 1,500 judokas from more than 68 countries. Sánchez Herrero will be one of the 14 Spanish representatives in the World Cup, of which 12 are men and 2 are women.
For the judoka from Salamanca, competing again has made him feel “butterflies in his stomach” and an adrenaline rush that, he says, “is a unique sensation.” His teacher and friend Javier Sanz has prepared specific training for the competition over these months, which combines strength, resistance and combat. Julián Sánchez is
excited and eager to compete in the world championship. “Many people have come to encourage me and show interest in the competition, and that has made me feel a mixture of pride and responsibility,” says the athlete from Salamanca. Despite this, he emphasizes, his journey has not been a bed of roses, and it has not been free of obstacles and adversities that have tested him.
As a good judoka, Sánchez decides to be cautious about the competition and is cautious about the World Cup, since “it is very difficult to know the state of the rest of the competitors.” However, if there is one thing clear to him, it is that “he goes with everything to the competition, focused on giving the best possible performance.” Asked if he is afraid of
fall, Sánchez is forceful, pointing out that “no matter what happens” he will continue competing, since “we judokas are used to falling and getting up, and to draw positive learning from all things.” Whatever happens, Sánchez has already gained in quality of life, in improvement and in an overflowing and contagious enthusiasm, which will continue to be transmitted in the future to the rest of the judokas and athletes of the Kata gym.
