At what age did you start practicing judo?

I started judo at the age of 7 in a club near my family home. From my very first steps on the tatami, my parents and brothers provided me with incredible support and encouragement to keep going. After just six months of training, I realized that judo was much more than just a sport—it had become my first passion. Very quickly, I fully committed myself, training five times a week. Without even realizing it, I had already become deeply attached to this discipline, which instills fundamental values for personal development and responsible citizenship.

Refereeing seems to play a central role in your judo journey. How did you get into it?

When I ended my athlete’s career in 2012, it was unthinkable for me to step away from judo. Refereeing became the obvious choice—a perfect way to stay connected to the sport I love. At the same time, I also take on roles as a trainer and coach, both in my home club and across the country. Judo remains a true passion that continues to shape my daily life.

You are an international referee. When did you achieve this status ?

I successfully passed my international referee exam during the Dakar Seminar in 2024. Since then, I have had the honor of refereeing at several African Opens and other major continental competitions. Today, I have been selected to referee at the upcoming Tbilisi Grand Prix, a prestigious stop on the World Judo Tour. It is an immense honor for me to be part of such a high-level competition, bringing together the best judokas from around the world.

What is your current profession, and how do you manage to balance all your responsibilities?

I currently work as a doctor. Reconcile my professional career with my roles as a coach, trainer, and referee is challenging. However, it all comes down to organization and discipline. From a young age, my mother taught me the importance of prioritization, a valuable lesson that helps me manage my commitments today with both passion and efficiency.