Judoka Arthur Margelidon had returned to training for a few weeks when his Ontario teammate Keagan Young pointed out to him that he was constantly smiling at the dojo. The Quebecer has always had fun in his sport, that is not the question. A change of category simply had the effect of a liberation after the Paris Olympic Games.
After three Olympic cycles during which he fought in the under 73 kg category, Margelidon made the jump to the under 81 kg category.
He considered making this change upon his return from the Tokyo Games in 2021. No longer limited by a shortened Olympic cycle, amassing points in the world rankings would have been difficult in a new category. The Montrealer chose to postpone the project.
Over time, losing weight became harder and harder and the work always had to be done again. He says he tried all possible diets
limiting his diet to a minimum.
The challenge proved even greater during the last Olympic cycle and weighed heavily on the judoka’s mind. Arthur Margelidon therefore did not hesitate when the time came to move towards his new category.
I’m not restricting myself anymore, I’m just doing what I love
he told Sportcom. My father asked me if, in my opinion, I could do another cycle at 73 kg. I told him absolutely not! Now that I’ve moved on, there’s no chance I’ll see a seven on the scale again
.
The judoka no longer felt like he was training to progress, but to spend money out of necessity. He no longer ate to replenish his energy, only with the idea of losing weight.
A major change. The biggest one he’s seen so far and probably what makes him smile so much on the tatami mats.
It changes my whole mentality. Instead of always losing weight or dehydrating myself to meet my category, I do like everyone else: train hard, eat to recover and return to training the next day with more energy. I’ll push myself and I’ll be able to eat afterwards. Not just a piece of broccoli and a small piece of meat!
My body wanted to go up and I was holding it back. It created an imbalance and made it more difficult. I’m glad it’s behind me.
Already, Margelidon says he is stronger and feels it in his fights. He has also retained a certain speed and believes that his style of judoka will translate well to that of his future opponents.
To Los Angeles?
Arthur Margelidon plans to embark on a fourth Olympic cycle at age 31. In fact, he will be able to rule after his first international tournaments with the under 81 kg.
The goal is to complete the cycle, but I want to stay competitive. I don’t want to compete just to compete. If I see that I can maintain a good level, I will try for four years, but if I realize that it is not working, I will move on to something else
explained Margelidon without making any detours.
This summer, he placed 7th in the Paris Olympic Games, a tournament he was hopeful of winning since he had already beaten all his main opponents in the past.
The one who was part of the top 10 under 73 kg is still looking for an Olympic podium. In 2016, the Quebecer was injured a week before leaving for the Rio Games. Five years later, he finished just off the podium in the Japanese capital.
I haven’t yet achieved what I wanted at the international level. Why not try it and do it the right way, over a period of four years?
he said.
The principal concerned is confident that he has what it takes to stand out in his new category. The simple fact of no longer being limited in his weight has taken a lot off his shoulders.
The fact remains that only one judoka will be able to represent Canada at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Arthur Margelidon will therefore have to surpass his compatriots if he wishes to qualify for his fourth Games, including François Gauthier-Drapeau, 5th in the world ranking of the category.
I never saw internal competition as something negative. It just allows us to raise our level and help each other in preparation for international tournaments. This is a good thing for our performance.
Margelidon will participate in his first 81 kg tournaments in February. The new category having led him to a new mentality, he will be able to train (and eat) with enthusiasm until then. Without even thinking about weighing.
