Ibrahim Tataroglu eyes on the double in Tallinn

This weekend Turkish heavyweight Ibrahim Tataroglu cam be important for his team. Tataroglu a rising star in Turkish judo, was born into a family deeply rooted in the sport. He will be one of the favourites for the Junior European title in Tallinn and contribute to his team at the mixed team championship on Sunday.

Standing at 200 cm tall, Ibrahim is following in the footsteps of his father, Selim Tataroglu, one of Türkiye's most successful judokas. Selim was a four-time heavyweight European champion and a three-time Olympian, who notably finished fifth at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Ibrahim has already made a name for himself on the international stage. He won bronze medals at the 2023 Grand Slam in Antalya and the 2024 Grand Slam in Astana in the +100 kg category. His accomplishments also include a silver medal at the 2023 Junior World Championships in Odivelas, Portugal, and gold medals at the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Maribor, both in individual and team events.

At just 19 years old, Ibrahim was one of the youngest judokas to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he finished 9th in both the men's +100 kg event and the mixed team event. His career is guided by the legacy of his father and the influence of his uncle, Bektas Demirel, a two-time Olympian and World Championships bronze medallist.

Ibrahim's judo journey began early, inspired by his father’s achievements. He trains at Kocaeli Kagitspor under the guidance of personal coach Bektas Demirel and national coach Irakli Uznadze. His preferred techniques include uchi-mata and tai-o-toshi, and he made his senior international debut with a bronze medal at the 2023 Grand Slam in Antalya.

Fluent in multiple languages, including Chechen, English, Russian, and Turkish, Ibrahim is well-rounded both on and off the mat. Known as "Ibo" among friends, he is deeply religious and prays regularly, which is a significant part of his routine and mindset. As he continues to build his career, Ibrahim is not only upholding his family’s legacy but also carving out his own path in the world of judo.