Judoka Kim Boling could compete for Italy. This was announced by the International Judo Federation. Already two weeks ago it was clear that the four-time European champion in the class up to 70 kilograms wants to continue doing judo under the Italian flag.
Although the Dutch Judo Association (JPN) and the Italian Association had already collaborated at the time, some administrative obstacles still had to be overcome. Now that the International Association has given the green light, the 33-year-old bowling can make his debut for the national team.
“From today Kim is officially Italian for everyone. For me he has been for eight years because he lives and trains in Turin,” says the national team coach Francesco Breuer. “He made an important life choice out of love for the EU to be respected and welcomed in a spirit of friendship and mutual prosperity.”
“Kim is a champion of absolute value, for the Italian national team it is a great opportunity to have her on the team and encourage the growth of athletes in the same category. At the Olympics, the category up to 70 kilograms is still open. All women will be qualified and put in a position to receive an Olympic ticket.”
play
Balling, 33, has lived in Italy since 2017, where she has built a life with her husband and daughter. JBN reported that the vote, which submitted a request to the judo association on March 29, will have the chance to be included in the top sports selection of the Italian police and security.
The vote is also expected to be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games this summer. He had an Olympic participation to his name in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where he was eliminated in his first competition.
At the 2021 Games in Tokyo, she lost to Sanne van Dijke and van Dijke has the best credentials for Paris to win the only starting ticket to the Netherlands in the up to 70kg class.
Next week’s European Championships in Zagreb will arrive too early to be voted on. He can participate in the World Championship which starts on May 19 in Abu Dhabi.
He responded to his decision via Instagram earlier in the survey. “If I could have looked into a crystal ball on New Year’s Eve, three months later I would have greeted the Dutch judo team and been surprised,” she writes.
“I am very grateful to the Judo Association Netherlands for giving me this opportunity. So I say goodbye to JBN and TeamNL. It’s a sudden decision, but I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and respectful farewell on my part.”
2024-04-18 18:03:40
#judoka #survey #represent #Italy #international #federation #agrees
