Spanish judoka Nikoloz Sherazadishvili is directing all his remaining competitive focus toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, admitting that the pursuit of an Olympic medal is the sole reason he continues his elite athletic career following disappointments in Tokyo and Paris.
The Road to the World Championships in Baku
At 30 years old, Sherazadishvili faces a critical juncture in his career as he prepares for the World Judo Championships in Baku, scheduled from October 4 to October 11, with his competition in the category of less than 100 kilos slated for Friday, October 9. The Spanish judoka enters the tournament ranked 22nd in the world, a significant drop from his previous standing inside the top eight. The decline stems from a prolonged absence following an injury sustained in November, which severely limited his competitive appearances over the previous year. Despite the lack of recent bouts, Sherazadishvili reports that he has spent several months training intensely and feels very prepared for the global showcase in Azerbaijan.
Lingering Pain From Olympic Setbacks
The motivation driving the two-time world champion stems largely from the emotional scars left by his exits at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Games. Sherazadishvili acknowledged that he seriously considered retirement after his elimination in Paris, noting that he entered both tournaments in peak form, backed by consistent results, strong world rankings, and prior global medals. Falling short of the podium on both occasions created a permanent psychological burden. He explained that the intense personal sacrifices and physical suffering make it difficult to justify continuing unless it ultimately leads to an Olympic medal, prompting him to commit to one final attempt.
Managing Pressures and New Weight Class Demands
Moving up to the 100 kilos division has altered Sherazadishvili’s physical preparation and daily regimen. While the transition from his previous weight class of 90 kilos has reduced the severity of strict weight-cutting diets and constant hunger, it has required him to adapt to stronger and larger opponents on the tatami. Sherazadishvili maintains an austere training and nutrition routine while allowing occasional flexibility to avoid burnout. Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, he emphasizes that his body’s recovery and injury prevention take absolute priority over intermediate tournaments, confirming that he is willing to skip any championship necessary to reach his optimal physical condition for the upcoming Olympic cycle.
