In this insightful interview, Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman, a standout judoka from Cairo, Egypt, shares his remarkable journey from starting judo at the age of seven to becoming the youngest Egyptian to qualify for the Olympics. Competing primarily in the -66kg category, Ahmed has earned numerous accolades, including multiple African Championship titles and a memorable appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Ahmed discusses the challenges he faced, including recovering from hip surgery and competing at the highest levels of the sport. He also reflects on the lessons learned from his Olympic experience, the importance of mental resilience, and his goals for the future, including aspiring to win an Olympic medal and contribute to the development of judo in Egypt and Africa. This interview offers a deep dive into the dedication, discipline, and passion that have driven Ahmed’s success on the international judo stage.
Who is Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman?
Judoka Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman was born in Cairo, Egypt on 26 May 1996 and has become a notable competitor in African judo. He has represented Egypt in various international events, primarily in the -66kg category.
Ahmed began his judo career early, making an impression in several competitions. In 2015, he won the gold medal in the men’s -66kg event at the African Games in Brazzaville.
He also secured fifth place at the World Junior Championships in Abu Dhabi and became the African Junior Champion in July 2015. Transitioning to senior-level judo, Ahmed continued to excel, winning the African title in Tunis in 2016.
He has achieved significant success at the African Championships, earning a total of eight medals. He won gold in 2016 and 2021, silver in 2018, 2020, and 2024, and bronze in 2017, 2019, and 2023.
In addition to his achievements at the African Championships, Ahmed became the youngest Egyptian to compete at the Olympics in Judo. He competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro at age 19 in the men’s -66kg category, though he lost in the first round.
Interview with Ahmed Abelrahman
Can you tell us about your early life and how you got into Judo?
I started judo when I was seven years old. I used to play football, but one day, I met the head coach of my club, and he started talking to me about judo. I was curious, so I decided to give it a try. After my first training session, I couldn’t stop going back.
Who or what inspired you to pursue Judo as a career?
Judo instilled in me the spirit to keep pushing forward and strive to become the best version of myself. My family and friends have always supported me and stood by my side, which has been a tremendous source of inspiration.
What challenges did you face in your early training days, and how did you overcome them?
I started judo a bit later than most, so I had to train harder and put in more effort to catch up. The solution was simple—more training and hard work. That’s how I overcame the challenge.
How did it feel to be the youngest Egyptian to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Judo?
It was an amazing feeling. From day one, my dream was to represent my country at the Olympics, and it came true when I was 19. It’s the best thing that has ever happened in my career, and I’m looking forward to representing my country again and hopefully becoming one of the medallists.
Can you share your experience competing in the Olympics at such a young age?
The Rio Olympic Games were an incredible experience, from the journey of qualification to stepping onto the mat to compete. I learned a lot, both physically in judo and mentally. The experience helped me grow up quickly, even though I was only 19.
What were some of the key lessons you learned from your Olympic experience?
I learned that sports aren’t just about winning all the time. There’s always room for improvement, and hard work will take you places.
With 12 African medals, including 3 Champion titles, what has been your most memorable competition and why?
Tunisia 2016 was the most memorable for me because it was three months before Rio, and that’s when I realized I was going to the Olympics. The Abu Dhabi World Championships also stand out because they gave me a lot of confidence to stand on the podium in Rio.
How do you stay motivated to continue competing at such a high level?
I stay motivated by always looking forward to winning more medals. My family, especially my mother, is a huge source of support and motivation for me.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
A typical training day starts at 7 a.m. with judo practice. Afterward, I go home to eat and rest a little, then prepare for the second session in the gym. Sometimes, I have three training sessions a day.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for major competitions?
Physically, I focus on strength and conditioning training because judo requires both power and strength. Judo training is my favourite, of course. Mentally, I try to enjoy the process, stay calm, and not put too much pressure on myself.
Can you talk about any specific training techniques or strategies that have been crucial to your success?
I believe that dedication, hard work, and discipline are the keys to any success. While physical and mental training are important, I think true success comes from the mind.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your Judo career, and how did you overcome them?
After my hip surgery, it was a significant challenge to return to judo after being away for a year and a half. Standing on my feet and making it back to the podium was a major achievement for me.
How do you handle setbacks and losses in your career?
I always try to use setbacks as motivation. Sports aren’t just about winning; it’s crucial to learn how to pick yourself up when you lose or feel down.
What are your future goals in Judo, both short-term and long-term?
My long-term goal is to become an Olympic medallist, and my short-term goal is to be the best version of myself every day.
Do you have plans to compete in the next Olympics, and if so, how are you preparing for it?
I am working on it now and preparing to start my new cycle for the next Olympics.
In your opinion, what are the current strengths and weaknesses of Judo in Africa?
Our strength lies in having very strong potential and a lot of talented judo players, but our weakness is that we don’t have a structured system in Africa like the Europeans do. We need to be consistent with training camps and competitions to elevate African judo.
How important is it to have international coaches and training camps for African judokas?
It’s crucial to have training camps and regularly fight with strong players. This builds confidence and prepares you to compete against them in any competition.
Additionally, having international coaches brings a new mindset and valuable experience, especially if they were strong athletes themselves.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of Judo?
I’ve always wanted to win an Olympic medal, and this is my hope. It would be my one and only legacy.
How has Judo influenced your personal life outside of the sport?
Judo has greatly shaped my personality. It has given me self-confidence, a positive mindset, and a tough mentality that can endure any circumstances in life.
Are there any other interests or hobbies you pursue outside of Judo?
Yes, I enjoy playing soccer, and I love to travel and explore new places.
Have you thought about what you would like to do once you retire from competitive Judo?
I would like to become a judo coach, support Egyptian judo, and pass on my experience to others.
Do you have any plans to stay involved in Judo, perhaps as a coach or mentor?
Yes, for sure, I would like to be the national judo coach.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to young African judokas aspiring to reach the international stage?
To all judokas, I would say: Give 100% every day, and remember that discipline is the key to success. Hard work is the only way to achieve medals.
Athlete Ahmed Abdelrahman, -66kg Half Lightweight Judoka representing Egypt.
- Instagram: @ahmedabdelrahman66_
- Facebook page: Ahmed Abdelrahman
- Facebook account: Ahmed Ali
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
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