Bellandi: “I quit judo, now I want everything” – Archysport

Italian judoka Assunta Bellandi has reignited her Olympic ambitions after a period away from the sport, targeting European gold as a stepping stone to reclaiming her place among the world’s elite. The 28-year-old, who captured gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, recently told Italian media that she had temporarily stepped back from judo but is now fully committed to achieving her full potential in the sport.

Bellandi’s journey back to the tatami began after she felt burnout following her Paris triumph. In a candid interview with La Repubblica, she revealed that the intense pressure and relentless schedule had led her to question her future in judo. “I had quit judo,” she stated plainly, “now I want everything.” This declaration signals a renewed focus on completing her collection of major titles, with the European Championships representing her next immediate goal.

The Italian judoka’s resume already includes Olympic and World Championship gold, making her one of the few athletes to achieve this double in recent years. Her Paris 2024 victory came in the women’s 70kg category, where she defeated formidable opponents to secure Italy’s first judo gold since 2000. This achievement placed her in elite company, alongside volleyball star Paola Egonu, who also contributed to Italy’s historic double gold in volleyball at the same Games.

Bellandi’s path to redemption is not without challenges. The European judo landscape has evolved significantly since her last major appearance, with rising stars from France, Georgia, and the Netherlands pushing the boundaries of technical innovation in the 70kg division. Her preparation will require not only physical conditioning but also tactical adaptation to counter the evolving styles of her continental rivals.

As Bellandi prepares for the European Championships, her story resonates beyond the judo community. Her openness about mental health struggles and the importance of recovery in elite sports has sparked conversations about athlete well-being across disciplines. The judoka emphasizes that her time away was not a retreat but a necessary recalibration, allowing her to return with renewed purpose and a clearer vision of what she wants to achieve.

Looking ahead, Bellandi’s immediate focus remains on the European Championships, where she aims to fill the only gap in her illustrious resume: a continental title. Success there would not only complete her personal collection of major honors but also reinforce Italy’s position as a powerhouse in Olympic judo. For now, the judoka is taking each day as it comes, trusting the process that brought her to the pinnacle of her sport and believing that her best judo is still ahead.

Share your thoughts on Bellandi’s journey and what her return means for women’s judo in the comments below.