Frenchwoman Julia Tolofua, who was not selected for the Olympic Games in the heavyweight category, won the Antalya Grand Slam on Sunday for her return to competition after an injury and this disillusionment.
Having undergone surgery on her right shoulder last September, Tolofua had not stepped on the tatamis in competition since her defeat against her compatriot Romane Dicko in the final of the Budapest Masters in August 2023.
Since then, she has seen Dicko, an Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo and 2022 world champion, be selected for the Games.
Tolofua may not turn the page directly after this Sunday, but this great tournament can definitely help him. The 2023 world vice-champion achieved a flawless performance, five victories in five fights without going to overtime. She beat the Chinese Su Xin in the final.
With tears in her eyes, relieved, she pointed to her head with her finger after her victory, as if to emphasize her mental strength.
