Olympia 2021: Judo fighter Sanda Aldass from the IOC refugee team speaks about her experience at the Olympics

How was the experience of being able to compete in the Olympic Games?

Sanda Aldass: It was an incredible and breathtaking time for me. Representing refugees from all over the world is an absolute honor and I am glad to share this honor. Being here in Tokyo at the Olympic Games and doing what I love means the world to me.

How did you switch from basketball to judo?

Sanda Aldass: It was actually more of a coincidence. When I was doing basketball practice I suddenly heard a noise and thought, what is it? I looked where the noise was coming from and saw a lot of kids doing judo and I was impressed. So I asked my parents and said I would like to go to judo training and that it would be better than playing on the street or in the garden or falling off my bike and hurting myself – and that’s how it all started.

What influence did your children have on your way to the Olympics?

Sanda Aldass: They weren’t happy that I had to go, but they’re also very small. Only my eldest son could understand what the Olympics are and that I do it because it makes me happy. He said to me: “Mom – please go and enjoy the time in which you do what you love.”