In this insightful interview, we spoke to Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne during her Olympic training. The prominent judoka from Ivory Coast, shares her remarkable journey from discovering judo through her younger brother to becoming a three-time Olympian and a leading figure in African judo.
Competing in the -57kg category, Zouleiha has amassed numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 2020 African Championships and multiple medals at the African Open and Islamic Solidarity Games.
Zouleiha reflects on her experiences at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the joy, challenges, and growth each event brought to her career. She emphasizes the significance of courage, determination, and continuous improvement in her training, particularly focusing on enhancing her techniques and physical conditioning over the years.
Beyond her personal achievements, Zouleiha discusses the broader landscape of judo in Africa, addressing challenges such as limited resources and the need for better training infrastructure and sponsorship. She advocates for increased outreach and engagement with youth through school visits and public demonstrations to boost the sport’s popularity across the continent.
Looking ahead, Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne aspires to transition into a coaching role after her competitive career, aiming to mentor the next generation of judokas in Ivory Coast. She offers inspiring advice to aspiring athletes, underscoring the importance of hard work, discipline, and passion in reaching the international stage. Throughout the interview, her story exemplifies resilience and dedication, serving as a powerful inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Who is Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne?
Judoka Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne was born in Ivory Coast on 15 December 1992 and has established herself as a leading figure in African judo. Competing in the -57kg category, she has represented her country in numerous international tournaments, earning a reputation for her skill and tenacity.
Zouleiha’s judo career includes several notable achievements. She won a silver medal at the 2015 All African Games in Brazzaville and followed that with a bronze at the 2016 African Championships. Her success continued as she secured bronze medals at the African Open in Yaounde and Dakar in 2019.
In 2022, Zouleiha clinched a silver medal at the African Open in Yaounde and a bronze in Dakar, demonstrating her consistency at the continental level. She also won a bronze medal at the 2021 Islamic Solidarity Games, adding another accolade to her growing list of achievements. Her winning streak continued in 2023 with a gold medal at the African Open in Luanda and silver medals at both the African Open in Niamey and Dakar. Most recently, she earned a bronze medal at the 2024 African Championships in Cairo.
In addition to her achievements in continental competitions, Zouleiha qualified and competed in three Olympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Her impressive record at African Open events and consistent presence on the Olympic stage highlight her as one of Ivory Coast’s most accomplished judokas.
At the Paris Olympics 2024 she lost 10-0 in the Round of 32 against Shukurjon Aminova of Uzbekistan Monday 29th July.
Zouleiha Dabonne Interview
What initially inspired you to practice judo?
It was thanks to my little brother, who was very enthusiastic, that I decided to give it a try.
Do any other members of your family also practice judo?
Yes, my family, including my cousins.
Can you share some of your early experiences in judo and how they shaped your career?
Courage and determination have been key to building my career.
What lessons did you learn from your experiences at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
The 2016 Olympics was a dream come true for me. The 2020 Olympics were special, filled with many memories, including dealing with the major challenge of COVID-19.
Are there particular moments from those Games that have left a lasting impression on you?
Yes, both Games left a significant impact on me. The atmosphere in Rio felt like a reunion among athletes—it’s still so vivid in my memory. Tokyo, on the other hand, had a quieter atmosphere, largely due to COVID-19, which brought so much uncertainty and stress, shaking the world.
You won a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2021. Tell us about that day and your journey to the podium.
Well, the joy I felt for this medal was immense, especially since I was the only athlete representing my country, Ivory Coast, at the Islamic Solidarity Games. From my first match, I knew that victory was within reach.
How did you prepare to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, your third Olympic Games?
Like all athletes, success comes from hard work, dedication, and participating in various qualifying competitions, along with the support and guidance of my coaches.
What opportunities do you see in these Games for your career and for promoting judo in the Ivory Coast?
This opportunity will bring me valuable experience, which I can later share with future generations, just as those who guided me have helped me become who I am today.
How do you think you have evolved as an athlete since your first Olympic participation?
I’ve grown through training camps, competitions, and the valuable guidance of my various coaches.
What changes have you made to your training and approach since Rio 2016?
I’ve focused more on improving my standing and ground techniques, as well as my cardio training in the gym.
You’ve won several medals at the African Championships. Which medal are you most proud of?
The medal that stands out the most for me is the one I won at the African Championships in Madagascar, where I became African Champion in 2020. It remains very special to me and full of emotions.
Do you plan to participate in the 2028 Olympics?
I’m still observing how things develop; it’s too early to say no, but the future will tell.
What factors would influence your decision to continue competing at this level?
The key factor would be the motivation to achieve what I haven’t yet accomplished in my judo career.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing judo in Africa?
There are many challenges. In my opinion, African judo is hindered by a lack of resources, particularly the absence of sponsors, which are crucial for helping athletes participate in training camps and competitions to further develop their skills.
What measures could be taken to improve the level of judo in Africa?
We need to establish training centres, create opportunities for athletes from different nations to interact, and encourage dialogue between athletes and their coaches to understand what works and what doesn’t. Only the athletes in the field truly know the reality.
How do you think judo infrastructure can be improved in Africa?
First, athletes need to be in good conditions and provided with the necessary equipment to train effectively.
What can be done to encourage more young people to practice judo in Africa?
We should create more contact with young people by visiting schools and public places, sharing my experience, and highlighting the benefits of judo.
How can the visibility and popularity of judo be increased in Africa?
By appearing on TV and radio to promote the sport, and by organizing training sessions in every neighbourhood to give everyone interested a chance to participate.
What do you plan to do after your judo career?
I hope to become a great coach in my country and serve as a positive example based on my experience.
What advice would you give to athletes in Africa who aspire to reach your level on the international stage?
Work hard, be disciplined and determined, and be passionate about achieving your goals.
What has been the most rewarding experience of your judo career, and how has it impacted your life beyond the sport?
Judo has allowed me to mature, gain self-control, build confidence, and handle situations more effectively.
Athlete Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne, -57kg Lightweight Judoka representing Ivory Coast.
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Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
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