Kim Polling has an option to represent Italy at the Paris Games

Kim Polling, a four-time European judo champion, is considering representing Italy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Polling has been living and training in Italy for quite some time. Additionally, she has an Italian husband Andrea Regis, and her daughter is also growing up in the country. Recently, an unexpected opportunity has arisen for her: the possibility of being included in the top sports selection of the Italian police and defense forces.

With this selection, she could become part of the Italian judo team (expected to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games), ensuring the financial future of her family after her active sports career.

Blocked by her Dutch compatriot Sanne Van Dijke in the -70kg category, Kim Polling has not yet given up on her Olympic dream. Married to Regis since last February, she now has the opportunity to represent Italy thanks to her affiliation with the Italian police and defense sports team. The Dutch federation has confirmed that it has given the green light for Polling's accelerated change of nationality.

Although a two-year absence from international competition is generally required to change sporting nationality, Polling could join Italy in time for the Paris Games, subject to administrative procedures.

In the -70kg category, where Italians Irene Pedrotti and Martina Esposito are not qualified, Polling's nineteenth-place Olympic ranking puts her in a favorable position to represent Italy.

Eight years after her ninth place in Rio, Polling, who is thirty-three years old, could try her luck in individual competition and strengthen the Italian mixed team, which includes Veronica Toniolo, Alice Bellandi, Asya Tavano, Manuel Lombardo, and Christian Parlati, all members of the top 10 in their respective categories.