Good surprise this week for the PSG Judo athletes, and in particular for the -73kg Fabio Basile beats the n.2 in the world and is fifth to return to the 73 kg – OA Sport”>Luca Otmane who made him his working partner despite their international competition: the Italian Fabio Basile, Olympic champion in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, had decided to join them. The spirit of judo in all its glory. Why ? How? ‘Or’ What ? The very cool Fabio tells us everything.
Fabio Basile, outstanding champion
When the 2016 Olympics begin, the Italian Basile is a young Italian champion of twenty-one, whose only major feat so far is a gold medal won at the European Championships -23 years old the previous year. In April 2016, he was still thirty-fourth in the -66kg category, second Italian behind the successful Elio Verde, and far from the Asian leaders in the category, which were then the Korean world champion An Baul and the world champion Japanese Masashi Ebinuma (both of whom have revenge to take on London 2012 and only dream of an Olympic title). Yet it was he who snatched his Olympic selection thanks to a bronze medal in the continental championship. Here he is in Rio in a role of absolute outsider… but he doubts nothing, neither of his destiny, nor of his whimsical and brilliant judo. And he will win one of the most unexpected Olympic titles in history, beating the best in the process, and the Korean in the final! He has since moved up to -73kg and alternates brilliant results in tournaments and frustrations in championships. But, at twenty-seven, the transalpine hero, fourth Olympic judo champion for Italy, remains a formidable outsider until the 2024 Paris Games. He has proven it, he is capable of anything.
Three questions for a champion
Fabio, what are you doing here?
I’m coming to practice! I came because France is Olympic team champion in Tokyo and it is one of the strongest countries in judo. I’m here because there are a lot of partners in France and they’re all very good, especially technically, which I really appreciate. And why at PSG Judo? Because I’m friends with Florent Urani, the coach, and I know it’s one of the very best French clubs. I am delighted to be here!
How long are you staying ?
I came here three months ago and it was good. So I’m coming back here for the second time, and it won’t be the last. I plan to return quite regularly in the future. I train very well here and, at the same time, I think it’s also a good thing to show this link despite the current difficulties. It’s important for the world of judo, it’s not only to become a champion, it’s also a relationship. France and Italy training together, without war, without a negative spirit! Judo is more than a sport, isn’t it?
And what are your goals?
I’m not thinking very long term right now. One goal at a time is good enough. I love Paris and I really love its audience, I think it’s the biggest tournament in the world – behind the Games of course! – and my project and to win this tournament this month of February. I’ll give you an appointment, to all those who can be there and to others, via the networks. See you soon Paris!
