Jolina Reinhold won a gold medal in judo at the Youth Olympic Games, Main-Echo reported.
The 17-year-old German athlete competed in the youth tournament for athletes aged 14 to 17, which took place in Senegal. Reinhold spoke about her first trip to the African continent and the travel routine that accompanied her victories.
“I had never been to Africa before,” Reinhold told Main-Echo. “I just let it come to me because I couldn’t really picture anything. I found it really nice how hospitable the people were and what a good mood they spread.”
She competed alongside athletes from diverse nations during the international multisport event. The daily routine in the Olympic village created lasting connections across borders.
“We were an international group, with people from Canada, Argentina, or Portugal, for example,” Reinhold said. “Although we came from different countries, we got along so well.”
The competitors spent every evening together within the residential zone. “You also find out a bit about how things are going in their countries, that’s totally interesting,” she told Main-Echo, noting that she maintains contact with several fellow competitors.
The realization of victory brought a sudden wave of emotion once the final match concluded. “Just: ‘I did it!'” Reinhold said, describing her thoughts upon securing the title.
“There was such a mix of feelings,” she told Main-Echo. “Somehow everything, but also nothing was in my head.”
Superstitions played no role in her preparation for the mats in Senegal. “No lucky charm, but I have Nutella biscuits with me at every tournament,” Reinhold said.
Nerves often disrupt her appetite ahead of high-stakes bouts. “I’m always so nervous that I can’t eat anything,” she told Main-Echo. “But I can somehow eat those.”
Reflecting on her path to the top of the podium, the teenage champion pointed to persistence and enjoyment as essential elements for aspiring athletes.
“You need a lot of patience,” Reinhold said. “And the most important thing is that you enjoy fighting and also enjoy learning. That’s how you get the furthest.”
