Zelym Kotsoiev is obviously present in Baku for the Baku Grand Slam and even if he is not competing this time, he did not want to miss the event under any circumstances. Here is a preview of some of his thoughts on this 2024 season which has consecrated him at the world level. You will soon be able to find his interview on https://judotv.com/
"The three weeks following my Olympic title in Paris were crazy. The emotion was incredible. I'm back to a more normal life now, one focused on training and preparing for the next competitions.
I obviously enjoyed my world and Olympic titles to a level that is hard to describe, but I'm happy to be back on the tatami, for the moment just in training; it's what I do best! I've achieved my dream, now I'm preparing for my next dreams.
I had prepared particularly well for Paris. I was ready like never before. I had complete confidence in my coaches who knew what was good for me. I also had unconditional support from my family. They played an important role in my successes. Without them, I wouldn't be here. I want to pay tribute to them. Everything I do, I do it to make them smile. When I see them happy, I know I've achieved something.
After the Games, I went through a bit of a strange phase because I had to motivate myself again, there was emptiness but I am fully back on track now. Obviously, I am now one of the favourites but I try not to think about it. I work harder because to perform well in Los Angeles, I can't wait, I am awaited. The day I came back to training, I felt that this is where I had to be, where I belong.
I will continue to develop my judo to be even more efficient to give even more pleasure to those who follow me. Judo is very popular in Azerbaijan and I am convinced that we will still do great things."
Throughout his interview, Zelym Kotsoiev did not lose his smile and his good humour. It is obvious that his world and Olympic titles have had an impact on his life but he keeps his feet on the ground, he knows what he has to do to stay on top of the world. The months and years to come will tell us more about his ability to repeat his exploits and to reach his new dreams.