Game on for Swedish coach Sally Conway

After winning Olympic bronze in Rio in 2016, Sally Conway is now the coach of the Swedish team. She transitioned from Edinburgh to the Swedish adventure in early 2022, but she couldn't have predicted that Sweden would once again send two remarkable athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics. With Tara Babulfath, Sweden has a significant talent and medal contender. Notably, Babulfath won bronze at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi this year in the 48kg category at the age of 18. She is the third youngest participant in these games.

Sweden also has Marcus Nyman, an outsider in the 90kg category, known for his excellent groundwork. At nearly 34, he is still capable of pulling off an upset, even though he is not the favourite.

Alongside trainers Viktor Carlsson and fellow Brit Jane Bridge, Sally Conway has forged a strong and successful team. Despite the failed Olympic campaigns of Ida Eriksson and the retiring Anna Bernholm, the results are promising. Just before the games, 'Sals' reflects on her time as the coach of the Swedish team with a motivational speech on her Instagram account.

Conway: “I didn’t know that moving to Sweden 2.5 years ago was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. Thank you to those who pushed me in the right direction with this decision. If it wasn’t without the support of my beautiful family and gorgeous loyal friends back in Edinburgh I don’t think I would have lasted a week!”

“The support and care I have received for Swedish Judo during my time here so far has been unbelievable and I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming and supportive environment to work in and be a part of.”

“I have loved getting to know the athletes, working with the athletes and watching them grow as people and as judo players. Thank you to you ALL for helping me on my journey as a coach. I learn from you all every single day. It fills me with happiness being part of your life’s & Judo.”

“Viktor (Carlsson), your support, your patience, your care, your respect and your friendship I will be forever grateful for. Working with you is brilliant, fun and enjoyable. What would I do without you?”

“To my beautiful friends I have made here in Malmö, you guys are amazing, how lucky am I to of met you … I’m now not only in Malmö for work, I’m here in Malmö to live. To enjoy times on and off the mat!”

“Being a part in the Olympic qualification on the “other” side of the mat has been one hell of a rollercoaster! I have experienced and learnt SO much. Made mistakes, cried, laughed, had no idea at times and at times felt like everything was going great.”

“I want to thank Tara, Anna, Ida and Marcus for all these experiences throughout this Olympic Journey. There have been like always highs and lows. Being by your side during this process has been an absolute honour. Watching you ALL give everything has been inspirational. The Olympic qualification is so tough! I just want to say congratulations to you all and what you have achieved up to now. You’re all brilliant and I feel so proud of you.”

“To the Swedish Olympic Commitee (SOK), like always a huge thank you for your support and help to both the athletes and myself. The whole Olympic qualification wouldn’t be possible without you!”

“Tara & Marcus, you made it! Wishing you both the very very best. It’s going to be special one.”

Her former coach Billy Cusack said: “A great coach will make his players see what they can be, rather than what they are”