"Unfortunately, the final didn't turn out the way I wanted."
Idman.biz reports that this was said by Azerbaijani taekwondo player Gashim Magomedov (58 kg), who won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
He said that his injury in the final prevented him from winning the gold medal: "What can I say? All the fights were great. I was in my best form. But the injury prevented me from winning the gold medal. I worked hard. I dedicate the silver medal to my family, especially my wife. We are expecting a second child. I thank the people of Azerbaijan for supporting me."
- Gashim, how are your impressions?
- I had great support in the arena. I was even more inspired when I saw the Azerbaijani flag. The Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, the federation leadership was here. I say "thank you very much" to them. I thank the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the development of sports in the country. Many Olympic sports complexes and bases have been created, and there are all kinds of opportunities for high-level training. Sport in the country is getting stronger every year. I have been in Azerbaijan for 10 years and I see this development.
- You lost in the final. If it wasn't for the injury, the result could have been higher. How are you feeling?
- I met my opponent in the final a little while ago in the President Cup and I won. I felt great here. Everyone saw my fights until the final. I was incredibly ready. I thought that I would surprise everyone in the final and return to Azerbaijan with a gold medal. But that's how it was done. It means that it is partly silver.
- How serious is the injury?
- The chief doctor checked the injury. I might have a broken leg. From here I will go directly to the clinic and be examined.
- The judokas said that they will go to Los Angeles 2028 to defend their titles. What do you think about it?
- Of course, I have a gold medal goal. It was my dream to go to the Olympics since childhood. When I was young, I had a strange feeling watching this race when I was involved in sports. I was lucky to realize this dream. I am proud of the silver. I'm young, I still have a chance to achieve great success. It is possible in Los Angeles.
- In the end, it was as if a rival athlete hit you from behind...
- This is a sport, it is possible to see such cases. The Korean athlete also wanted to win. He used all options. Of course, he didn't want to hurt me. That's how it was done. He just hit me from behind during a fight. It's nothing serious. Therefore, there is no offense. In the end, he approached me and apologized for the injury.
Idman.biz
