Vice World champion Kirill Denisov stable judoka at top level

At the World Championships in Astana titled Kirill Denisov added another top level medal to his list of honour, World silver. In a field of 62 judoka, Denisov again managed to finished in the top 5 for the sixth time in a row. At World Championships he reached the final in 2009 and 2015 and won bronze in 2010 and 2013, and was fifth in 2011 and 2014. Ups and downs but always stable which is pleasant for national coach Ezio Gamba. This year Kirill even won the European Games title, his second European title after 2013 and his silver in 2011.

The World champion was Dong Han Gwak of Korea who surprised the field with a victory in this competitive category where Liparteliani and Baker won bronze. Denisov accepted his defeat with dignity and allowed himself a short vacation.

During a short break in training Denisov I went home, met with reporters and explained why he would never fight in MMA as it differs too much to Judo and from other martial arts and he spoke about his life as an athlete and the past World Championships.

Denisov: “We have analysed the world championships and our mistakes. It was a good, but I did not reach the peak of my physical condition. The fight with the Korean was the sixth fight that day, so did not have enough stamina: some overload and dehydration and cramp in my toes and hands. For the gold medal that is not enough for the details. But it was a fair fight and I had no complaints, refereeing was fair. I try to forget what happened in 2012 at the Olympic Games where… first of all I made the mistake and lost the bronze, but was unlucky with the refereeing. But in this final it was all true.”

A judo family in fact also live the life of the athlete isn’t it?

“My mother and my wife are very supportive. Of course, always experiencing. After each tournament I call home, and to see my son. He is only two years old. Mom sees him growing up, but I cannot always and it is very difficult emotionally. “

Do you think yet how to end your career in judo?

“I don’t know, it depends on many things, from personal motivation, injuries. Now I'm 27, and I strive for maximum length in the sport. I like to watch MMA, but won’t participate. Judo is the cultural combat, this can be seen in all competitions. I respect all the athletes, many people know. But I would not continue in MMA, it would be strange.”