There were some fantastic performances in Baku but what it means to the athletes is a whole different side of winning; it’s not just about the medal or the spectacular techniques.
Whether they do it for points, for qualification, for personal satisfaction or to fulfil other technical goals, there is always a good feeling to be understood by those watching, as the medals are won.
Everyone struggles at some point in their career, many with injuries, almost all with sacrifice. There is a lot of hardship and adversity that comes with being an elite athlete and the reward is, at least in part, the feeling that they earn when they win.
Who was the happiest medal winner in Azerbaijan?
Here is a selection that we shall call ‘happiness.’
Talibov (AZE), -90 kg bronze.
Babulfath (SWE), -48 kg gold.
Toktay (TUR), -73 kg bronze.
Guusje Steenhuis (NED), -78 kg gold.
Sulamanidze (GEO), -100 kg gold.
Lubjana Piovesana (AUT), -63 kg gold.
Rajabli (AZE), -81 kg silver.
De Wit (NED), -81 kg bronze.
Liparteliani (GEO), -57 kg bronze.