Nugzari Tatalashvili speaks: disappointed but ready to support

During and after the Olympic Games qualification period, hard decisions need to be taken. Some athletes even switched nation, some athletes battled for that one Olympic spot. Especially in those nations where there’s enough talent available.

One of the outstanding athletes over the last few years was Nugzari Tatalashvili. He won international medals since 2009 and in 2012 he won his first World Cup in Tbilisi. He was the successor of current Georgian President David Kevkishvili and competed at the 2012 Olympic Games, without success as he lost his first fight to Korean star Wang Ki-Chun. Since 2012 Olympic Champion U66kg Lasha Shavdatuashvili switched from 66 to U73kg the battle started. Tatalashvili had a headstart but this week Shavdatuashvili was selected for the 2016 Olympic Games. Tatalashvili speaks and shows his sportsmenship, respect and honour. Some of the many values of judo.

“It's really hard for me to express what I feel today. There is no word that can explain this feeling. The decision was made by the coach, so probably they know better why Lasha was chosen instead of me.

At what point in the IJF tour did you think, I will go the Olympic Games?

“I never thought that I would go to the Olympic Games. I just always try to do my best to win and defeat my opponent in order to bring kudos and happiness to my country and the Georgian people.”

You defeated Lasha twice in Rome and Tokyo, was the victory of Lasha in Kazan at the European Championships of influence on the decision?

“If such decision was made, probably his victory influenced on it.”

So will you help Lasha with his preparation?

“I will always help not only Lasha, but every single person who will be selected. If somebody needs my help, I will be there for him, anytime. This team is my family, their success is my is my own success too. Their failure is my failure. They are my hope and believe in them. I want to wish them a victory at the Olympic Games. Good luck all of you guys! Fight until the end, we all believe in you and God bless you.”

You are 26, What are your next goals?

“Well, my main goal was to participate in Rio Olympic Games, but unfortunately I was not selected. Now I'm going to have a rest. I was operated on my meniscus, so I'm having my after-treatment period now. The fact that I was not selected doesn't mean that I'm giving up. I'm going to continue training, I'll work harder and harder.  I'll be back with new strength and new goals. And I'll do my best to bring the happiness to my small country.”

We will for sure see you back in the team at the World Team Championships in Tbilisi!

The World Team Championships that will be held in Tbilisi is a really important competition for us. I'm going to participate in this competition with my team,  for sure and I'll do my best to show a great result.