Abiba Abuzhakynova: Next time I’ll win judo medal and enter Kazakh sport’s history
Kazakhstani judoka Abiba Abuzhakynova competed in the Women’s 48kg at the 2024 Olympic Games ongoing in the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris. Ranked 3rd in the world ranking in her weight category, Abuzhakynova finished the Paris Olympics in the 5th place, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Following the disappointing outcome at the Olympics, you expressed your disappointment and regret at not being able to secure a medal. How do you feel now?
Time heals, I'm slowly coming to my senses, but I still feel regret. I promised myself the moment I fell that I would get up on my feet.
Yesterday, your personal coach said that if Abiba had been a medalist at the Paris Olympics, she would have ended her career.” Is that true?
Indeed, I thought about it. I became the first Kazakh to win a medal at the World Judo Championships. At the Olympic Games, I also wanted to become the first Kazakh to haul a medal in judo, but, unfortunately, it didn't happen in Paris. I decided that I will not stop without reaching this goal. The Olympics in Los Angeles are just around the corner.
Currently, our Olympians are in the spotlight. How do you feel about social networks and what users post about you?
To be honest, I don't have much time to spend on social media. Occasionally, I scroll through Instagram feed. Sometimes I read what people postabout me. This time, I didn't see any negative comments. Instead, I saw words of support: "Abiba, don't get upset, don't cry. Your whole life is before you. At the next Olympics, you will win a medal. We believe in you. Come back on the tatami." It was a great boost of support for. After those warm words, I pulled myself together. My goal is to get a medal at the Olympics and make history in Kazakh sport.
