“An ardent defender of the values of sport”
Laura Martinel began her career as a judoka, winning the women’s -72 kg event at the Pan American Judo Championships in 1982, at the age of 18. She continued to compete in elite competitions until 1995 and made her Olympic debut in Barcelona in 1992.
Laura Martinel said: “I am very happy to receive this prestigious trophy and I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have played a decisive role in my coaching career, starting with the athletes who placed their trust in me. I also thank the IOC for giving a special place to coaches, the International Judo Federation for selecting me among many renowned colleagues, my C
Argentine Laura Martinel has long trained her compatriots for continental and world championships as well as the Olympic Games. As for Taesuk Chang, he is at the forefront of the development of women’s fencing in the Republic of Korea. Both are Olympians. Laura Martinel competed at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, while Taesuk Chang also competed at Barcelona 1992, as well as Atlanta 1996.
“The role played by coaches in the careers of athletes is sometimes invisible but always invaluable,” said President Thomas Bach, who, as an Olympic fencing champion, knows well the importance of a good coach. “The numerous medals won by their athletes are a testament to the work of Laura Martinel and Taesuk Chang. What’s more, these two coaches are remarkable ambassadors for Olympism and Olympic values – and both deserve this trophy.”
“The IOC Trophies for Outstanding Coaches are designed to celebrate the achievements of coaches from grassroots level sport to the Olympic Games, the biggest sporting stage of all,” added Sergii Bubka. “Laura Martinel and Taesuk Chang have more than proven their worth on and off the competition floor, and the Olympic medals are just the most visible result of their tireless work.” National Olympic Committee, my national federation and, well of course, my beloved country, Argentina”.
After retiring from tatami mats, Laura Martinel switched to coaching and began working with Daniela Krukower, whom she trained until she became -63 kg world champion in 2003.
Three years after Krukower retired in 2009, Laura Martinel began training another Argentine judoka, Paula Pareto, in 2012. Under her leadership, Pareto became the -48kg world champion in 2015, then won Olympic gold at Rio 2016. Laura Martinel was also national coach of the Argentine women’s judo team and technical director of the Argentine Confederation of Judo. judo. At the beginning of the year, she received the Master Coach Award from the International Judo Federation (IJF).
“The values and principles that were passed on to me by my parents, then reinforced by my experience in judo and my dedication to Olympism, constitute the foundation of my life,” said Laura Martinel. “I am a strong advocate for the values of sport and, ultimately, my greatest wish is to leave an important legacy for future generations.”
2023-11-22 20:28:08
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