“At the time I refused because I didn’t want to disrupt Matthias’ final preparation (Broken) in view of the Paris Games. Everyone knows we are long-time friends. Here, the next Olympic deadline is in four years and we have time to put in place a system that suits it. I discussed it with him and we agree.”explique Dirk Van Tichelt.
The very disappointing results of the Olympics are the main reason for this change at the head of the elites in the north of the country. But… “We need a new lease of life. And Dirk can bring it to us. He not only has the diplomas but above all the experience. And, then, he’s a real enthusiast.”explains Koen Sleeckx.
With his blue t-shirt, printed with the four letters “JUDO”, Dirk Van Tichelt has twenty-five years of practice behind him.
“I started here, at the Topsportschool in Wilrijk, and I am a product of the VJF (Flemish Judo Federation). I know what I can bring, such as, for example, a more scientific approach. I’m not going to turn everything upside down. I think you don’t necessarily have to train harder but train smarter. I will be listening. It’s important.”
gull The dream job? It would be testing cocktails on a paradise island.
So here is the Antwerp man thrown back into the deep end, he who, when ending his career, had promised his wife, Esther, to be at home more often, with his two children, Arthur and Fran.
“This is the other reason why I still hesitated a little. I will be less present with my family but the challenge is worth it. However, I would not go as far as to say that this is the Dream job No, for me it would be testing cocktails on a paradise island. (burst of laughter).”
Appointed for four years, with an annual evaluation, Dirk Van Tichelt arrives at a pivotal moment in Judo Vlaanderen, where the elites are only… three: Matthias Casse, Toma Nikiforov and Mina Libeer.
“The first objective will be to expand this group. The wider the base, the more results we will obtain. Jarne Duyck and Zelemkhan Batchaev should already join the trio. And, then, having worked with them for four years, I know that ‘there are good juniors.’
In the meantime, the new “head coach” has already started his work of “reconstruction” with Matthias Casse, disappointed by the Paris Games.
“I told him to take the time to recharge his batteries. Paris 2024 was a huge disappointment for him. I understand that. You know, Matthias, I know him well. He’s an intelligent guy. An excellent judoka, both both in terms of condition and tactics. I think I know what we need to work on. In judo, we need to score. But we will discuss it. I have no doubt that we will find the right one. formula at professional level.”
Goal: Los Angeles 2028
Dirk Van Tichelt gave himself the time and he has it. In the short term, we should not see our judokas in action again before February 2025. In the long term, the Olympics are four years away…
“The Games are the most important event in the career of a judoka. This is where they have all the light. Of course, there is the Euro and the World Cup which are important events but the Olympics are incomparable. I know Matthias said his luck was over. I don’t believe it because I am living proof! I had to wait until I was 32 to get on the Olympic podium. And, in 2028, Matthias will be 31… He has never been seriously injured. It’s no coincidence because he leaves her nothing. He’s a complete athlete.”
He will not fail to be advised by a “former” who competed in 391 international fights between 2000 and 2020, was European champion in 2008, bronze medalist at the World Cup in 2009 and 2013 and, finally, bronze medalist at the Games in 2016.”This experience has not often been used in the past. It’s a shame… I think that with Dirk, we have the right person in the right position.”concludes Koen Sleeckx.
Drama twist: Matthias Casse and Toma Nikiforov no longer have a coach!
