We introduced the statistics, the almost impossible feat and the question in our first article in the series, which can be found here:
https://www.ijf.org/news/show/151-olympic-champions-tokyo-to-tokyo
A reminder of the question:
It could be said that to be in the company of an Olympic judo champion is to be presented with someone whom has reached an absolute pinnacle, a ceiling which cannot be surpassed; there is nowhere further to ascend in the world of sport. We often find Olympic champions speaking with freedom and certainty, unafraid to share an opinion, speaking of their lives and journeys with confidence. For many we feel there is peace, and that can be magnetic and inspiring.
So the question is, did they become Olympic champion because of that character or did they become that person having won the Olympic gold medal?
“I’m very straight and honest about everything. For example, I just decided what the goal was and I focused on it. I had to follow a very straight line to get there. My attitude was that way all the time, with everything. Any goals in my life, I just focused on them and went straight there. It’s the same for all parts of my life and not just judo."
"I think for the Olympic athletes in my category in 2016, many had the same level in both mind and physical attributes. I think I also had luck on my side and also confidence, confidence which I built up through a very hard training period. The difference between us all is paper thin. Luck helped but also the confidence I had which I built through collecting evidence. It’s an honest way to work."
"Of course I had the right training. I had good training and preparation at Tokai university. Everyone is a very high level there.”
Did the Olympic gold medal change you?
“There was a big change after winning the Olympic gold. Everything changed for me. I remember that I felt the heaviness of the gold medal. Everything became very public. The people surrounding me changed and wanted different things from me. People focused on the gold medallist and not others or even other parts of me and so their attitudes faced me only as ‘a gold medallist.’ I felt honoured to be in that position."
"I think as a gold medallist I must now live as if I am a gold medallist. I had a goal to become the gold medallist and I achieved it and so I would like to pass on what I have learned to the younger generations. I’m still an active player, not yet retired, so I cannot think about exactly what comes next, retirement would have to come first.”
Of all the judo values, honesty is highlighted the most for Mashu Baker. He continues to train and set goals.
