We caught up with Fares Badawi during his Olympic training. Join us as Fares shares his remarkable journey, insights, and aspirations in this inspiring interview.
Who is Fares Badawi?
Fares Badawi was born on 25 July 1996, in the al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, Syria. He competes in the -81kg weight category in judo, representing Palestine. His journey in judo began at the age of 9, inspired by his older brother who was also involved in the sport.
Fares Badawi has had a notable career, with a silver medal win at the Bremen Open International tournament in 2017 marking an early highlight. He continued to show his prowess by securing a 7th place finish at the Arab Games in 2023.
His involvement in major competitions includes being part of the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo. This experience was particularly meaningful for him, as it allowed him to compete in the birthplace of judo.
Fares also competed in various other significant tournaments, such as the Grand Slams in Paris and Düsseldorf.
In the Paris Olympics, Fares represented his homeland Palestine for the first time in the Men -81 kg. He lost in the first round to Tajikistani judoka Somon Makhmadbekov, who went on to win Bronze.
Aside from his judo career, Fares is also a supremely talented watercolour artist, balancing his athletic pursuits with his academic studies in civil engineering.
Growing up in the al-Yarmouk refugee camp and later moving to Germany, his journey has been one of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, Fares has found support in his family and has used his experiences to inspire others, especially refugees and young judokas.
Fares Badawi’s story is a testament to his commitment and passion for judo, showcasing how sports can provide a path to personal and professional growth, even in the face of adversity.
Fares Badawi Interview
Can you share your journey in judo and how you first got involved in the sport?
I first got involved in judo at the age of 9. My older brother was the first in our family to join a judo club. Seeing his enthusiasm and dedication, I knew I wanted to do judo just like him. I was captivated by his judo uniforms and the techniques he demonstrated. Inspired by his passion, I decided to start my own journey in judo.
What was it like winning the silver medal at the Bremen Open International tournament in 2017? How did that impact your career?
Winning the silver medal at the Bremen Open International tournament in 2017 was an incredible experience for me. It represented the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication, and receiving that recognition was immensely gratifying. I was extremely happy and proud. Each victory boosts my confidence and motivates me to aim even higher in my career.
What made you decide to fight in a lighter category, when you moved from under 81 kg to under 73 kg?
I decided to fight in a lighter category, moving from under 81kg to under 73kg, to improve my speed and agility. Competing in the under 73kg category also gave me a strategic advantage, as I felt stronger and more competitive against opponents in this weight class. Normally, my weight was always around 78 kg, and I had difficulties cutting down to under 73 kg.
I used to fight in the under 81 kg category and had to lose a lot of weight, which often left me not feeling as fit. After moving to around 80 kg, it was definitely much better, and I felt more comfortable fighting at under 81 kg. Of course, when I need to cut weight (currently, I weigh 85 kg) I have to pay close attention to my diet to stay fit for competitions.
Being included in the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo must have been significant. How did it feel to represent the team, and what did that experience teach you?
Being included in the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo was a dream come true for me. Visiting Tokyo, the birthplace of judo, was something I had always aspired to. Competing in a World Championship, a dream for any judoka, was an incredibly enriching experience.
Training at the Kodokan, the renowned judo institute in Japan, was particularly memorable. Each time I compete in a major tournament, it eases the pressure for future competitions. This experience helped me approach other tournaments with a more relaxed and confident mindset.
Can you tell us more about your bronze medal finish at the Glaspalast Tournament in Sindelfingen?
Winning the bronze medal at the Glaspalast Tournament in Sindelfingen was a significant achievement for me. The competition was tough and required a lot of focus and determination. This experience boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my judo career.
You secured 7th place at the Arab Games. How did that performance influence your judo career, and what did you learn from that experience?
At this tournament, I met my fellow team members from other sports from Palestine for the first time. I also met the staff of the Olympic Committee in Palestine. It was definitely an honour for me. I was very happy that we had this team spirit and that Palestine united us. However, I was a bit upset because I injured my partner during the match.
Can you share your experience participating in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou? How did competing at such a prestigious event impact you as an athlete?
The Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, are the second largest games in the world after the Olympics because Asia is so large and we have many athletes. The Asian Games in Hangzhou were postponed from 2022 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made to ensure the safety and health of all athletes and participants.
It was definitely very impressive. We experienced Asian culture and, unfortunately, I had to fight in the under 90 kg category. There were two fighters in the under 81 kg category, and our Olympic Committee didn’t know that only one of us could compete. So, I was moved up to under 90 kg to maintain my weight, and I lost directly against Iran. But overall, it was a very beautiful experience for me.
How did you prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris? Can you walk us through a typical training day leading up to the Olympics?
I found out relatively late that I would be participating in the 2024 Olympic Games, approximately 40 days before the event. At the same time, I was working on my master’s thesis, which I am still writing. It was undoubtedly very stressful, but I managed to balance both commitments quite well. I received an extension from my university for my thesis.
For my training, I worked out at the Olympic training centre in Hannover with highly skilled athletes from the German national team. In addition to extensive fitness and strength training, which is crucial for judo, my coach from Germany prepared me mentally and technically. This comprehensive preparation helped me get ready for the Olympics despite the tight schedule.
Competing in the Grand Slams in Paris and Düsseldorf in 2020 must have been challenging. How did those competitions help you grow as an athlete?
Competing in the Grand Slam in Düsseldorf was a wonderful experience for me, especially because it was held in Germany. Not having to travel far for the competition and being able to speak the local language made communication much easier. I also had many fans from Germany supporting me.
Paris was also a very memorable experience. The judo scene in Paris is well-known to me, and the French are very passionate about judo. They are excellent at cheering for the athletes. Unfortunately, in my first match, I faced a French competitor and was unable to win. However, standing on the mat in such a prestigious event was an invaluable experience that helped me grow as an athlete.
How do you balance your academic studies in civil engineering with your intense training schedule?
I try to use judo as a break and a good balance with my studies. Typically, after training, I can concentrate better on my studies. There’s an Arabic proverb that says, “A healthy body houses a healthy mind.” For me, judo plays a crucial role in my academic life. Of course, there are times when I have very little time.
I am very grateful to my family because they take on many tasks. For example, I don’t have to cook, and they sometimes help me prepare for judo events. I am very thankful for that. Especially when I need some emotional support, my mother and my wife are always there for me. But overall, it is not easy.
Growing up in the al-Yarmouk refugee camp and later moving to Germany, how did these experiences shape your outlook and determination in judo?
Growing up in the al-Yarmouk refugee camp and later moving to Germany was undoubtedly a challenging period and a significant adjustment. Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and starting life in a new country was not easy at first.
However, judo helped me immensely, especially in meeting new people and integrating into society. When people share common interests, it bridges different nations, and judo was that connecting thread for me.
For instance, a judo throw called Seoi-nage is known as Seoi-nage everywhere in the world, regardless of the language spoken. Hearing these familiar terms made it easier to communicate and connect with others without needing translation.
Additionally, experiencing hardships in life makes one stronger, particularly mentally. These experiences have undoubtedly made me more resilient. On the other hand, this journey also came with many responsibilities. Initially, I took care of my younger brothers, helping them adapt, and now I support my family as they still struggle with the language.
I handle administrative tasks and many other responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I am very grateful to the Germans. I have learned a lot from them, including different judo styles, which I have successfully integrated into my own practice.
Your journey from Syria to Germany is quite inspiring. What keeps you motivated to pursue judo at such a high level despite the challenges you’ve faced?
I have always wanted to be a role model for other refugees, especially because, in the beginning, there was unfortunately a negative perception of refugees in general.
I took it upon myself to be a positive example for others, demonstrating that despite all challenges, one can be a good person and a successful judoka. I have received a lot of support from others, and many people have identified with my journey.
My story has inspired many people in the media. Initially, I saw myself as an ordinary person. But after reflecting on what I have achieved, particularly my journey as a refugee, I realized that I had accomplished something significant. This realization has been a major source of motivation for me.
Additionally, I find that in Germany, there is a greater appreciation for sports than in our home countries. Here, if you are successful, you receive more recognition and respect from society.
How has your family’s support influenced your judo career and your decision to compete for Palestine?
As I mentioned, I competed for Syria and was part of the Olympic team. However, I always felt like an outsider. There were always whispers behind my back. I was very happy to have the opportunity to compete for my homeland, Palestine.
To be honest, in general, I am not fond of these national divisions. But representing Palestine gave me a sense of belonging and pride that I had not felt before. I am grateful for this opportunity and for the support of my family, which has been invaluable throughout my journey.
What does it mean to you to represent Palestine at the Olympics, especially considering your personal and family history?
Representing Palestine at the Olympics makes me very proud, especially considering the current situation. Palestine is suffering, and it is important to show that despite everything, there are talented judokas and athletes who can compete at this high level.
Like any other athlete, it brings me joy to make my people happy with a medal or a victorious match. Although I haven’t achieved that yet, just participating and representing my country on such a significant stage is a great success for me.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in the sport of judo, particularly for athletes from underrepresented backgrounds?
Based on my experiences, I believe it would be beneficial to have more training camps and exchanges where stronger judo nations invite athletes from less prominent judo countries. This would help to teach and share techniques, thereby strengthening global competition.
In general, meeting and exchanging techniques can significantly benefit countries that do not have as many resources. Additionally, I would encourage support from judo trainers and organizations to help athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. This collective effort can elevate the overall level of competition and provide more opportunities for all athletes.
How do you hope to inspire young judokas and refugees who look up to you as a role model?
I want to tell them that no matter what they have experienced, they should always have big dreams. Even if they don’t achieve these dreams directly, they can still come close. You might not reach the moon, but being among the stars is always something beautiful.
I believe that you can use your anger or negative experiences as motivation and transform it into strength to further develop yourself, especially in sports. It’s important not to always think negatively. Try to speak to yourself positively and see the good in every situation. There is always hope, no matter where you are in the world.
When you’re not doing judo, you’re a talented watercolour artist. Tell us more about that.
Painting with watercolours has always been a great balance to judo for me. It calms me a lot, and I really enjoy improving my creativity. Especially since I study civil engineering, I love capturing the character of each building on paper. However, this is only possible as long as my fingers aren’t injured from judo. Recently, I have been drawing less, but if I ever stop practicing judo, I look forward to holding my brush again and continuing to draw.
Beyond the Olympics, what are your plans for your judo career and your academic pursuits?
I still dream of winning an Olympic medal. Having experienced what it’s like to be at the Olympics, I understand that achieving a medal requires a tremendous amount of hard work. Recently, I got married, and I hope to have fewer family responsibilities, allowing me to focus more on my goals. I hope my wife will support me in this journey.
If it doesn’t work out, I would be happy to become a coach and pass on my knowledge. Even if I don’t win an Olympic medal myself, I might train an athlete who can achieve this dream, and their success would be my success as well.
Regarding my academic pursuits, after the Olympic Games, I plan to finish my master’s thesis and start looking for a job in Germany in the field of bridge construction and railway planning, to support myself and my family. But these are all still plans.
Athlete Fares Badawi, -81kg Half Middleweight Judoka representing Palestine.
Instagram: @fares_badawi
- Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
- Instagram: @madeinbulgariaxx
- Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
