In this insightful interview, Slovenian judoka Andreja Leski shares her journey from disappointment at missing the Tokyo Olympics to winning gold in Paris 2024. This experience has reshaped her understanding of what it means to be an athlete, adding a layer of responsibility to her success. Leski sees her platform as a chance to advocate for women in sports and champion mental health support, both crucial issues for athletes.
Reflecting on her victory, Leski emphasizes that her legacy is not only about titles but about inspiring future generations, particularly young women in Slovenia and worldwide. She aims to show them that dedication can overcome stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated sports. In her role, she hopes to balance competition with advocacy, utilizing her experience and platform to bring attention to the challenges athletes face, including media scrutiny and public expectations.
Who is Andreja Leski
Andreja Leski, born on January 8, 1997, is a Slovenian judoka competing in the -63 kg weight category. She achieved significant success by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defeating Mexico’s Prisca Awiti Alcaraz in the final.
This victory marked Slovenia’s first gold medal of the Paris Games and continued the nation’s strong tradition in women’s judo.
Prior to her Olympic triumph, Leski secured the European Championship title in 2023 and earned silver medals at the World Championships in 2021 and 2023.
Her consistent performances have established her as a leading figure in international judo.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Leski is committed to advocating for better support and representation of female athletes, as well as emphasizing the importance of mental health support in sports. She aims to inspire younger generations by sharing her journey and promoting a balanced approach to athletic success.
Leski’s dedication and accomplishments have solidified her status as a prominent athlete in Slovenia and the global judo community.
Interview with Andreja Leski
Congratulations on your gold medal! How has your perspective on being an athlete changed since winning at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Thank you! Winning the gold has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be an athlete, not just in terms of personal achievement but also in terms of the responsibility we carry. It’s no longer just about competing; it’s about sharing my story and trying to inspire younger generations.
You mentioned having a voice in sport after your victory. What specific issues do you plan to advocate for moving forward?
One key area I want to advocate for is better support and representation for female athletes. Despite progress in judo, I still believe women face stereotypes and unequal treatment, both in the media and in terms of resources. I also want to highlight the importance of mental health support for athletes. There’s so much focus on physical performance, but our mental well-being is just as crucial. After winning the Olympic medal, I faced a lot of attention and public pressure, and without professional help and people by my side, it would have been much harder.
How does it feel to be part of a strong legacy of Slovenian athletes in the -63 kg category? What does that mean to you personally?
It’s a huge honour to be part of such a strong legacy, but what matters most to me is that I did it my way. I stayed true to myself and didn’t let the pressures of the sport define me. I’m proud to have built a professional and successful career while maintaining a life outside of judo. It’s important for me to show that you can be dedicated and achieve your goals without sacrificing your personal happiness and balance. That’s what makes this journey so meaningful for me.
You noted the importance of positive and intelligent support for athletes. Can you elaborate on what changes you hope to see in how media and fans interact with athletes?
I’d love to see a shift towards more thoughtful and informed coverage. Often, the focus is on wins and losses, but there’s so much more to an athlete’s journey. I hope the media can highlight the resilience, dedication, and personal struggles we face, and I’d like to see more stories that encourage a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete at this level. The same goes for fans—encouraging more empathy and awareness can help create a supportive environment, rather than one driven by unrealistic expectations.
Reflecting on your journey, how did your experiences from the Tokyo cycle shape your approach to the Paris Olympics?
Not being selected for Tokyo was a huge disappointment, but it also gave me time to reflect and grow. It made me more determined to succeed, but it also taught me patience and resilience. I learned to focus on long-term goals rather than short-term setbacks. That mindset helped me immensely in my preparation for Paris—I was more focused, mentally prepared, and confident in my abilities.
Can you discuss the significance of your win for female athletes in Slovenia and the message it sends about women’s sports in your country?
It’s important for young girls to see that there’s a place for them in competitive sports and that their hard work will be recognized and valued. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing that gender shouldn’t be a limiting factor in any sport.
What impact do you hope your Olympic success will have on future generations of judokas, especially young women?
I hope it inspires them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams without hesitation. I want them to know that it’s possible to reach the highest level with dedication and support.
You mentioned the importance of taking a break after the Olympics. What activities or experiences are you looking forward to during this downtime?
I was really looking forward to spending time with family and friends, reconnecting with those who have supported me over the years. Somehow it was a lot less time than I expected, even though it’s been three months since my win. I still want to explore other hobbies and passions outside of judo to refresh my mind and body. Whether it’s traveling or simply relaxing, this break is all about recharging for the next phase of my career.
How did you maintain your motivation and desire to compete after not being selected for the Tokyo Games?
It wasn’t easy, but my coach sent me to the next competitions to keep me focused on the new season. My goal was always an Olympic medal, so I just kept pursuing my dreams, even though the disappointment about Tokyo stayed with me for a while.
You spoke about the pressures of competition. How do you personally cope with the expectations that come with being a top-ranked athlete?
I’ve learned to manage pressure by focusing on what I can control. I try to block out external expectations and concentrate on my own goals and preparation. Having a solid support system is key, whether it’s my coaches, teammates, or family. I also practice mindfulness and mental training to stay grounded and keep perspective.
What role did your training team and support system play in your success at the Olympics?
They were crucial. My coaches, teammates, my club (Judo Klub Bežigrad)—everyone played a part in my success. We worked tirelessly to refine my technique and improve my conditioning. Beyond the technical side, their emotional support was just as important. Knowing I had a team behind me, believing in me, gave me the confidence to push through the toughest moments.
How do you plan to balance your time between competing and pursuing advocacy for athletes in the coming years?
I’ll find ways to combine my athletic career with these causes that matter to me. I also believe my gold medal is a ticket to new opportunities, so I’ll try to catch a few while still focusing on training.
What are your thoughts on the future of judo as a sport, particularly in terms of its growth and visibility on the international stage?
With better media coverage and more international visibility, I think judo could grow significantly and attract new audiences who might not yet appreciate its unique qualities.
You’ve expressed a desire to improve media coverage for athletes. What specific changes do you believe would help achieve that?
We need more in-depth, holistic coverage that goes beyond just the results. I’ve also seen the negative backlash from the media and public on athletes, which can be devastating. Athletes don’t need additional judgment or criticism; they’re already hard on themselves. I hope for more positive support, especially online.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next Olympic cycle, and how do you plan to prepare for them?
My primary goal is to continue growing as an athlete and refining my technique while maintaining a balanced approach to my career. I want to stay focused but not at the expense of my personal life or mental well-being. I’ll be working closely with my team to ensure I’m physically and mentally prepared, and I’ll incorporate lessons from previous cycles.
In what ways do you think your gold medal win will inspire other young female athletes in Slovenia and beyond?
I hope my win shows young female athletes that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. It’s important for them to see someone who has walked the same path and faced similar challenges.
What challenges did you face in your journey to becoming an Olympic champion, and how did you overcome them?
There were many challenges, from injuries to the mental toll of training and competing at such a high level. I overcame them by staying patient and trusting my long-term goals. My strong support system, from my coaches to my family, kept me grounded and reminded me that the journey is as important as the destination.
What message do you have for young girls who might be interested in pursuing martial arts but feel hesitant or discouraged?
My message is that martial arts are for everyone, regardless of gender. We moved past those old stereotypes long ago—there’s no difference in what girls and boys can achieve in sports like judo. If you have a passion for it, go for it! It’s about your dedication, strength, and mindset, not about fitting into outdated ideas of who belongs where.
