Reflecting on his journey, Mitrovic admitted that just a year prior, physical exhaustion and constant setbacks pushed him to the brink of walking away from the sport entirely. “L’année dernière, je voulais arrêter le judo. J’en avais marre de tout,” Mitrovic recalled of his lowest point. Yet, a resilient inner drive kept him going, reminding him that he had not yet given everything he had to the sport.
Overcoming Seven Knee Operations
Mitrovic’s path to high-level competition is defined by remarkable physical resilience. According to reports from L’Esprit du Judo, the French-competing fighter has undergone seven separate knee operations throughout his career. His injury history began in 2019 just before the COVID-19 pandemic and included a torn posterior cruciate ligament followed immediately by an anterior cruciate ligament tear during a training camp in Japan.
Further complications arose after joining INSEP and signing with PSG Judo in September 2023, when an MRI revealed completely torn cruciate ligaments requiring a third operation that necessitated a tissue graft from an organ bank. Additional tears occurred in early 2025 following a brief return to competition, prompting consultations with specialists across Europe to address his recurring injuries.
Securing Gold at the Mediterranean Games
Despite these profound physical obstacles, Mitrovic achieved a major career breakthrough by capturing the gold medal in the -90kg division at the 2026 Mediterranean Games. According to L’Esprit du Judo, his tournament victory was highlighted by a high-level final match against Christian Parlati, a world medalist and the 2025 European champion.
Describing the unique atmosphere of the event, Mitrovic noted that competitors lived aboard a cruise ship alongside athletes from various other nations, creating an experience reminiscent of the Olympic Games. This triumph served as a powerful validation of his decision to continue competing rather than heed the warnings of surgeons who cautioned that further damage could permanently limit his mobility outside of sports.
Future Outlook and Competitive Goals
Armed with a renewed perspective following his recent successes and grueling rehabilitation regimens, Mitrovic has simplified his competitive mindset. Rather than burdening himself with distant, rigid career expectations, the -90kg standout aims to maximize his performances and enjoy every moment on the tatami, driven by the determination to leave no room for future regrets.
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