Pordenone, 24 years to go the day before Christmas, Kenny Komi Bedel made Sunday 10th November his perfect day. Yes, because Kenny is a judoka born and raised in the city who has come a long way and for most of the route encountered climbs, some of which were very steep. Sunday, however, at the European Open in Romea tournament that is part of the World judo tourKenny achieved an important success, putting the gold medal. A result that tells of a provincial boy who learned to fight, suffer, fall and get back up stronger than before. To aim for important goals: now he dreams of participating in the next Olympics.
«Sunday was truly perfect for me – said the athlete –, the best way to return after a painful period, with many difficulties, fresh from yet another operation. Physical problems have given me no respite in recent years, but I’m really happy to have finally managed to score a good point.”
It must be said that in the second of the five matches played and won, the opponent Bedel defeated was Luke Maisuradzetwenty-six year old Georgian world champion. Not just any one, for an undertaking to which, once again, the contribution of his older brother Marvin was decisive.
«It’s true – confirmed Kenny -. Marvin came down to be close to me and was the first person I looked at in the entire audience. I became passionate about judo at the age of just 4 years old, when my first teacher came to school, brought the tatami and gave us our first lessons. It can be said that from that day on I have never stopped, following the example of my brother Marvin, who had started before me. Pordenone for me means home and family. And as soon as I can I love to go back and enjoy it.”
Kenny Bedel, in fact, belongs to the Fiamme Oro sports group and trains in Naples, but runs away home as soon as he can to be with his family. «Christmas is definitely the time when I just can’t give up living at home. And I can’t wait for this year to arrive again to hug my mom and grandparents again. The last time I came home, I surprised her and went to say hello to her at work. She didn’t expect it, she was really happy.”
