Mexico City. With the silver medal she won at Paris 2024, Prisca Awiti makes it clear that in Mexico “you only had to believe” in judokas to get on the Olympic podium. Now, she hopes that her achievement will inspire new generations to transform dreams into goals and more medals.
“My story is a true story of teaching that if you believe in yourself and a team that believes in you, everything is possible. In Mexico they are already watching judo, I hope there is more support, because the more people watch this sport there will be more opportunities to be champions,” she says smiling.
The silver medal that Awiti won in the 63-kilogram category is the first that Mexico has ever won in conventional judo. The athlete herself acknowledged that this achievement also demonstrates the ability of women to show that regardless of gender, they can do any sport, even physical combat sports.
“Yes, we are equal (to men), we can achieve the same or even more. Most of my coaches were men. Now, I don’t just want to inspire girls, but also boys. There is no sport for men and women, only sport,” she said.
Awiti, whose father is Kenyan, mother is Mexican and who was born in England, acknowledged that her feat in Paris 2024 also represents an achievement for diversity.
“I am very aware of where I come from, from all the countries I come from I have things that have helped me achieve this with lessons,” she said proudly.
For now, Awiti will take a break before starting to think about the road to Los Angeles 2028.
“I want to turn this silver into gold, that would be the next goal, I like to say goals because dreams are when you are asleep.”
2024-08-07 20:57:31
#Jornada #believing #judokas #medal #Awiti
