Speaking with sincerity and humour, Sherazadishvili reflects on the victories and defeats, the people and the choices that built both the champion and the man.
Born in Georgia and shaped in Spain, Sherazadishvili’s journey is one of courage, discipline and constant evolution. Twice world champion at -90 kg and now a major force at -100 kg, the Spanish judoka has built his career on hard work, family values and an uncompromising love for spectacular judo.
Sherazadishvili arrived in Spain at the age of 13, following a decision made by his parents for the future of their children. He spoke no Spanish, knowing only “hola,” but adapted quickly, helped by school, judo and a fearless willingness to speak, even when mistakes came. Very soon, the dojo became his second home. His father, also a judoka, was the first influence. From childhood, Niko remembers running, doing pull-ups and training with the discipline that would later define him. At first, judo was not his choice; his friends played football and he wanted to join them. His father, however, insisted that judo suited him better. Time proved him right.
In Spain, under the guidance of Quino Ruiz, Sherazadishvili found more than a coach; he found a second father, a mentor. Their dojo became a family, a place where training did not end when the session finished. Quino cared about his athletes’ lives, not only their results, and that bond became one of the foundations of Niko’s success.
As a cadet, Sherazadishvili decided to commit fully. School days were followed by running, physical preparation and judo, often for hours without pause. Later, he learned to separate sessions, to rest better and to eat properly. For him, professionalism meant 100% commitment in every area: training, recovery and nutrition.
That mentality carried him to the top. In 2018, in Baku, surrounded by family and supporters, he became world champion for the first time. He remembers feeling calm in the final, trusting his condition in golden score and waiting for the right moment. The victory was historic for Spain and deeply emotional for his family and club.
A second world title followed in 2021 in Budapest, but success also brought pressure. Sherazadishvili admits that, after becoming champion, he expected perfection from himself. Winning was not always enough; he wanted to dominate, to throw and to control everything. Over time, he understood that balance matters as much as intensity.
Later on, the -90 kg chapter closed. Cutting weight had become increasingly difficult and unhealthy. Tall, powerful and naturally growing, he chose to move to -100 kg. At first, the transition was hard. His physical, grip-heavy style demanded strength and he needed time to build the right body for the category. Still, he trusted his judo and refused to change its essence.
Today, with a world bronze medal at -100 kg and renewed consistency, Sherazadishvili looks ahead with maturity. The Olympic Games remain unfinished business, as he achieved a 5th place finish in 2024, but he no longer seeks perfection at any cost. He wants to arrive calm, prepared and free enough to express his judo.
For Niko Sherazadishvili, the lesson is clear: greatness is not only winning. It is learning, adapting and continuing to fight with heart.