Toma Nikiforov retires from international judo
Belgian judoka Toma Nikiforov is ending his international judo career, the 32-year-old announced at a press conference on Thursday. "My body just wouldn't cooperate anymore," said an emotional Nikiforov.
Nikiforov, who enjoyed his greatest successes in the 100kg class, can look back on a highly successful career. The Brussels-born athlete won bronze at the 2015 World Championships, and gold at both the 2018 and 2021 European Championships.
"I have become a father and a new life awaits me"
He also performed strongly at the Olympics, finishing ninth in 2016 and 2021, and 17th in Paris last year. In recent months, he had hinted at retirement, saying that the sacrifices required at the top level were becoming increasingly difficult.
"It was definitely not an easy decision," said Nikiforov, fighting back tears at a press conference at the Judo Royal Crossing Club in Schaerbeek, where he first started practising the sport. "My family situation has also changed. I have become a father and a new life awaits me."
Future in judo
At the end of April, he competed in his last major tournament, the European Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro, where he failed to progress beyond the first round.
Nikiforov does not yet know what the future holds, but he would like to continue playing an active role in judo. "I have received a few offers, but nothing concrete yet," he said.
"Belgian judo can always count on me," he added, praising the team spirit of Belgium's squad at the recent European Championships, where the country made its debut in the mixed team competition. Despite his quick exit from the individual competition, this made the championship one of the highlights of his career, he said.
Toma Nikiforov at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
Related news
