Many of the world's leading national teams have entered the final stage of their preparations for the World Judo Championships, which will be held in Baku from October 4 to 10.
Among them are the Netherlands, who have completed a three-week training camp in Japan.
As reported by İdman.biz, Dutch team leader Michael Korrel, a two-time Baku Grand Slam winner and two-time World Championships bronze medallist, spoke about his preparations and expectations ahead of his return to the Azerbaijani capital.
- There are only a few weeks left until the World Championships in Baku. Are you satisfied with the way your preparations are going?
- Everything is going according to the plan prepared by our coaches. We have just completed our training camp in Japan. Now we are entering the period when it is particularly important to manage the workload properly.
Most of the hard work has already been done, and the goal is to arrive at the main tournament of the year in the best possible condition, both physically and mentally. At this level, a lot is decided by small details.
- Why did you choose Japan for your training camp ahead of Baku?
- Japan will always be a special place for any judoka. The training environment there is completely different, the level of sparring partners is extremely high and there is a huge amount of quality randori.
For me, it was important to get that kind of workload before the World Championships. When you train every day with strong opponents, it helps you find the competitive rhythm you need.
- Is there anything from your training in Japan that you would like to bring directly onto the tatami in Baku?
- It is probably not about one specific technique. It is more about intensity, concentration and the need to make decisions constantly under pressure.
At the World Championships, there is almost no time to think during a contest. You have to feel the situation and react immediately. Japanese randori is very good for developing that ability.
- Baku is a city you know very well. You have won the Grand Slam there twice, finished third once and also competed at the 2018 World Championships. Can Baku be called a lucky place for Michael Korrel?
- I definitely have many good memories of Baku. I have won there, had important contests and experienced the atmosphere of a major competition. So it is always nice to return.
But previous results guarantee nothing. When a new championship begins, everything starts from zero.
- You finished seventh at the 2018 World Championships in Baku. Eight years have passed since then. How much has Michael Korrel changed?
- A lot. Eight years at this level gives you enormous experience. I have been through Olympic Games, World Championships and many World Judo Tour events.
I probably understand myself better as an athlete now. I have a better sense of when to take risks and when to be patient. Experience does not make contests easier, but it helps you deal with certain situations better.
- You already have two World Championships bronze medals. Does that mean only gold can fully satisfy you now?
- Of course, you want to become world champion. Otherwise, there is no point competing at this level.
But you cannot start a tournament thinking about the final. First comes the opening contest, then the next one. If you think too much about the medal, you can lose focus on what is happening right in front of you.
- One of your potential opponents in the -100 kg category is Zelim Kotsoiev. A possible meeting with him in Baku would certainly attract special attention. What do you think about that?
- Kotsoiev is one of the strongest judokas in our category, and his results speak for themselves. We know each other well from international tournaments, so a contest between us could certainly be very interesting.
In Baku, he will have the additional advantage of support from the crowd, but that kind of atmosphere is also a source of motivation for me. At a World Championships, you cannot choose your opponents. If our paths cross, I will be ready.
- The World Championships in Baku effectively open a new Olympic cycle. Are you already thinking about Los Angeles 2028?
- The Olympic Games are always somewhere in an athlete's mind. But there is still time before Los Angeles.
Right now, my main focus is the World Championships in Baku. In elite sport, it is important to move step by step. If you constantly think only about what will happen in two years, you can miss what is right in front of you today.
