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Alina Böhm celebrates her European Championship victory in Montpellier. After winning the title last year in Sofia (Bulgaria), she was once again at the top of Europe. © Lorraine Hoffmann
Alina Böhm wins the title at the European Championships in France in the weight class up to 78 kilograms. This means the 25-year-old is fulfilling her mission to defend her title, but she didn’t expect it, as she reveals in the interview.
Montpellier. Judoka Alina Böhm remains the measure of all things in Europe. After her somewhat surprising European Championship victory last year in Bulgaria, the JZ Heubach athlete was crowned European champion again in Montpellier, France.
In the interview, she reveals why Böhm is now in Australia a few days after her triumph, what expectations she had when she started the tournament and when the 25-year-old will return to the Ostalb.
Ms. Böhm, congratulations on winning the European Championship again. Have you already realized your title defense?
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Böhm: It’s still difficult for me to realize and it’s something very special. I think I need a few more days before I can process this.
How did you celebrate winning the title?
It was very special that my sister and dad were there. Also my team, who cheered me on from the stands above. They have all seen me go through such deep valleys and the fact that they are there even at the highest heights is something very special for me. This bonds us as a family and team. But we couldn’t really celebrate.
Why not?
I went straight home, washed my clothes and flew on to Australia for the Perth Open. The last tournament of the year will take place there this weekend. But a surprise was waiting for me at home: my friend decorated the apartment with pictures of the European Championships and flowers.
What expectations did you have going into the European Championship tournament?
The mission was to defend the title. I started with the goal of giving everything and being at the top again.
You succeeded, but it wasn’t an easy path. They beat world champion LanirInbar from Israel, World Cup third-placed GuusjeSteenhuis from the Netherlands and, in the final, the world number one, Italian Alice Bellandi.
This is a very large and strong tournament. Many nations are focusing on this and Europe is very strong in my weight class. But I didn’t really expect it to be enough for the title.
Did you feel more pressure as defending champion?
I was excited, but I didn’t feel any pressure. Anyone who fights at this level knows that everything has to come together on a day like this. The training form, the daily form and the draw. There are so many different factors. I tried to approach it in a relaxed manner and just give it my all. When I step on the mat, I always give 150 percent. My trainers know that too.
How important is the European Championship victory with regard to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris?
I collected valuable Olympic points by winning the European Championships, but there is still a long way to go to qualify. That’s why I have to hold out until June until a decision is made.
And what do the next few weeks look like after the Perth Open?
Then I’ll go down a bit and go to a fitness camp in Lanzarote in December. Then we can go home to Böbingen for Christmas. I’m really looking forward to that.
Alina Böhm celebrates her European Championship victory in Montpellier. © private
2023-11-08 16:28:39
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