Martyna Trajdos says farewell to top judo

Four German athletes have announced their farewell in judo. Theresa Stoll, Jasmin Grabowski, Sven Heinle and Martyna Trajdos. Trajdos (33) captured a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2019 in Tokyo, her first world championships medal.

Trajdos, who won the European Games title in 2015 among three European medals explained her feelings about Judo. “Love at first sight...that's what I used to say! I've been doing judo since I was 12, I joined the national squad at 19 and since then I've done everything I can every day to get better and more successful. I would never have dreamed of such a career 20 years ago. Over 360 fights, more than 600 kg that I have lost over and over again in the past years and countless beautiful moments in my beloved sport.

Today the day has come when I would like to announce the end of my active career. I have been putting it off for a long time because it is difficult to end such a beautiful phase of one's life. Of course, the sport has often cost me sweat and tears, but the unforgettable moments outweigh these dark sides.

With one teary eye and one laughing eye I say goodbye, because there will certainly be one next to the mat.

I will not be lost to the sport, but will return in other capacities. I am looking forward to my training as a sports psychology expert, as well as my passion for the mental health field, where I can share my experiences and insights with other athletes in the future.

I am very grateful for the opportunities Judo has given me, the countries, the friends and events I would never have had without the sport.”Trajdos had been winning international events for more than ten years. Highlight was the victory at the Grand Slam in Tokyo in 2015 but she also took gold at the Grand Slam in Ekaterinburg in 2017 and Grand prix Hohhot in 2019 and Qingdao in 2013. Three times she medalled at the Grand Slam in Paris, three times bronze. She competed at the Olympic Games in Rio and seven World Championships since 2013. Trajdos claimed three senior national titles and fought her in her favourite category since 2008 at the age of 18. With the German team she claimed two medals at team World Championships in 2014 and 2015 and four medals at European Team Championships. Trajdos was flagbearer for Germany at the closing ceremony of the European Games in 2015.