(PRIMASPORT) BAKU – Un altro podio mondiale per Odette Giuffrida, who won the bronze medal in the -52 kg category at World Championships in Baku. For the Italian, this is the third world championship medal of her career, after the bronze in Doha 2023 and the world title won in Abu Dhabi in 2024. At 31 years old and after more than 15 years at the international top, with two Olympic medals under her belt, Odette continues to climb the podiums that matter.
After Mongolia, I had a very difficult time,” Odette said. “An injury took the rug out from under me, I spent my days in physiotherapy, and I was very confused. Someone important told me that these are the days when you show who you really are. After the semifinal loss, it was tough; I don't think I spoke for at least two hours. I had to regain my balance to fight for the final and not go home with any regrets. I enjoy judo a lot, and it was difficult because I had to endure tough training due to injuries, to find myself again. Up until now, however, I've never found myself again, I've never had a good feeling. Arriving at a competition with little training and less joy in being on the mat wasn't easy. Now I need a home and my family.". The same emotion also shines through from the coach of the women's national team Francis Bruyere: “Odette leaves me speechless; she never ceases to amaze us. Winning another world medal, competing at this level at 31, and being among the best for over 15 years is never a given.”. (PRIMASPORT)