The 13-year-old expatriate judo athlete from Borås, Olympia Kolovou, continues to make us all proud.
By winning her fourth gold medal in the recent games held in Varberg, she once again confirmed her talent, consistency and dynamic career in the sport of judo.
The young athlete, who represents her team in Borås and also expresses her desire to compete with the Greek National Team in the future, spoke to Greek news and radio in Florida about her new success after returning from injury, her goals and her love for the sport that has become an important part of her life.
– Olympia, congratulations. How do you feel about your new success?
I feel very good.
– Was it your first fight after your injury?
Yes, it was the first match after a year of absence due to injury.
– Did you compete in your own age category?
No. I competed with older girls, aged 13 and 14, while I normally belong to the 11–12 category.
– Did that make the fight more difficult?
Yes, it was more difficult.
– How many athletes participated in your category?
About 10 girls.
– Did athletes from other countries participate?
Yes, there were athletes from various countries, such as Bosnia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
– How did it feel to return with a gold medal after a year without competing?
I felt very good.
– Was it your first gold medal?
No, it was the fourth.
About her career in judo
– How many years have you been involved in judo?
I've been doing this for about 7 years.
– How many matches have you played so far?
I have played about 12 matches. Not all of them were international.
– How many medals have you won in total so far?
I have won 12 medals.
– What changes when an athlete reaches the green belt in judo?
The rules become more demanding. More techniques are allowed and the level becomes more advanced.
– What do you like most about judo?
It helps me become stronger in other sports and I really enjoy competing.
– What are your goals for the future in judo?
I want to get better and make it to the Greek National Team.
– Would you suggest other children get involved in sports?
Yes, because it's nice and helps a lot.
– What does a young athlete need to succeed?
Hard work.
– How much do your coaches help you?
They help me a lot. They tell me what to do and how to improve.
For school, Greece and family
– How do you combine school and sports?
I put school first and then sports. It's not too difficult.
– Do you like school in Sweden?
Yes. We do most of the lessons inside the school and there is no need for tutoring.
– Were you the only Greek woman at the games?
I think so.
– How do you feel about representing Greece?
I feel very good, because it is my country.
– Who would you like to dedicate this medal to?
To my dad. He takes me to training and without him none of this would be possible.
