Tina Trstenjak Has No Regrets

"It's totally different. The point of view from our position as an observer is radically different. The way of seeing and understanding things is different. Really, I think it's this difference that strikes the most. You can't imagine what it's like until you've experienced it.

To be very honest, the first day was not easy. I didn't know anything about how the commission works, I didn't know what to do or how to do it. It was like learning a new language and a new gesture. I am so grateful to the whole IJF team for welcoming me as they have and above all for giving me confidence. Frankly, I have already learned a lot and I believe that I will continue to learn a lot.

Florin Daniel Lascau [IJF Head Refereeing Director] is an incredible teacher. He takes the time to explain everything to me. I have a lot of fun learning, from the best experts. I'm talking about Daniel but I really want to include the whole team. Everyone's level of knowledge is amazing. Already, on the second day of competition, I felt much more at ease. You have to understand that when you're on the tatami, you're in your own bubble, you focus on yourself and of course on your opponent but that’s it, nothing else matters. Here at the refereeing table, it's a different story. We must look at the two judoka with a new, external, neutral eye and bring the right answers to any situation. You have to understand what happened and anticipate; it's also about predicting what an athlete might do.

The day before the competition, we had the refereeing seminar. Sometimes I wondered, 'Oh my! Who would really do these things,’ such as turing in through a straight arm, but in fact these were very real situations that we found in the competition and that's why this pre-competition work is so important. It's really very interesting.

I am often asked, even every day, if I do not regret my decision and if I regret not being on the tatami. I'll be blunt, the answer is NO! I am happy and at peace with my choice. If you had told me ten years ago that I would become Olympic champion and world champion, I probably wouldn't have believed it but I got there. I am accomplished as an athlete. I got everything I was looking for and more. I have no regrets and I have no nostalgia. I'm happy to be where I am and to start a new life in judo."

It is often said that judo is the way of adaptation. What better example than that of Tina Trstenjak. An athlete with an incredible track record, she has now taken a new turn. This one may appear radical, a 180° turn and yet is it all so different? Tina gave joy and happiness to all her fans, to her country, her family and friends. She accomplished herself as an athlete, won everything and now she is still part of the big judo family and will be able to continue working for the development of our sport. There is a time for everything, one for receiving, one for giving. We can be sure that Tina is ready to give even more to our sport.

More images of the Grand Prix Portugal 2023 - CLICK HERE

In the meantime during the Grand Prix Portugal 2023