Francisco Garrigós Reflects on Olympic Success and Future Aspirations

Fran Garrigós, the judoka from Móstoles who secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared that his recent achievements have brought him a sense of "tranquility" and the ability to focus entirely on judo for the next several years. The Spanish athlete emphasized the importance of consistent financial support for athletes, advocating for a system that rewards year-round performance rather than hinging solely on results in major championships.

"Winning an Olympic or World Championship medal significantly impacts financial assistance, as grants depend on those key events. Luckily, I’m now in a position to fully dedicate myself to judo for a few years. While I’m not a footballer, I feel privileged to make a living from what I love," Garrigós said.

However, he cautioned against the current system’s reliance on singular events, which he believes can create unfair outcomes. "You might dominate all season, even win the European Championship, but a single early-round loss in the 'big championship' could leave you without support," he warned. He stressed that secure scholarships, like those provided by the Team España program, alleviate pressure and enable athletes to focus on performance rather than financial concerns.

A Year of Triumph

Reflecting on 2024, Garrigós described it as a personal triumph. "I became European champion and took bronze at the Olympics, so I’d call it a fantastic year. I aimed for gold at the Games, but I’m proud of the effort that went into every hour on the tatami and in the gym," he shared.

For Garrigós, the Olympic medal was the culmination of years of sacrifice. "It’s not just about the results; it’s about giving everything, every day. Even if you fall short of your dreams, knowing you gave it your all is what matters. Fighting daily for your goals is what brings you closer to achieving them," he said.

He acknowledged that the bronze medal would elevate his reputation among competitors but was quick to emphasize that sustained success requires ongoing effort. "The medal won’t keep you on top forever. You need to keep training and aiming for podium finishes," he cautioned.

Looking to the Future

With the next Olympic cycle underway, culminating in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Garrigós is optimistic about his potential for improvement. "Every day, I train with new objectives and enthusiasm. I feel more mature on the tatami now, which helps. While some things might decline with age, I’m ready to push forward and work toward Olympic qualification," he said.

As he prepares for the challenges ahead, Garrigós hopes 2025 will bring continued success, particularly at the European and World Championships. "I want this to be a happy year where I achieve my goals," he concluded, underscoring his commitment to staying at the top of his game and continuing to inspire through his dedication to judo.