2024 Olympics – Judo: “I’m doing better than in Tokyo but I want more”, mixed feelings for Mbagnick Ndiaye

From our special correspondent at the Arena Champ-de-Mars – Triple African champion (2019, 2020, 2023), Senegalese Mbagnick Ndiaye lost in the second round of the 2024 Olympics to Georgian Guram Tushishvili. Despite the disappointment of not being able to face Teddy Riner, the big guy fighting in the +100 kg category keeps smiling… And makes a date for Los Angeles. Interview.

Published on: 02/08/2024 – 14:51

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First round in Tokyo, second round in Paris, but why not a medal in Los Angeles? “Inshallah”, replies Mbagnick Ndiaye with a big smile. Not down by his elimination at the hands of Georgian Guram Tushishvili at the 2024 Olympics, the Senegalese judoka prefers to stay positive and look to the future.

After following him during his Olympic preparation, France 24 took stock of his feelings about his Olympic Games.

What is the feeling that dominates just after this elimination? ?

It’s a mixed feeling. On one hand, I’m happy with the result because I did better than in Tokyo, but there’s a bit of disappointment because I deserved and wanted more.

Guram Tushishvili was much faster than me, especially on the hand. I managed to impose myself, but he made me drop. Right after, he attacked and he was very good. Technically, I have no complaints. It’s just that he was stronger for me.

Also read: 2024 Olympics: “I am at peace but there is disappointment”, reacts Beninese judoka Valentin Houinato

You confided on our set that you dreamed of facing Teddy Riner. It was a close call, you regret it ?

It’s a shame. It’s a big disappointment because I would have really liked to face him here, in Paris. That’s it, that’s how it is. That’s sport. Sometimes you have plans, but it happens differently…

You fought in the country where you train : what did you feel in front of this crowd? ?

In France, it’s a crowd of connoisseurs. Most of the people in the stands know me. They’re used to seeing me in competition or in training. I felt at home. I heard my name everywhere. They were behind me. It’s always a pleasure to fight in France.

We see that the African judo struggles to conquer World podiums, what’s missing? ?

We always come back to the same explanations. There is a lack of infrastructure, there is a lack of high-level staff adapted to this type of competition. Africans must understand the magnitude that the Olympic Games can have.

There is this sporting aspect, but there is also a geopolitical aspect that comes into play. We must try to highlight ourselves and try to give ourselves as many resources as possible so that we can compete with the best in the world.

This is also why I am training at Insep, in France. I want to bring real added value to Senegalese sport in the future.