Patricija Brolih was born 28 November 1996 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She is in the -78kg weight category in Judo. She won a bronze medal at the Junior European Cup Lignano in 2015 and a silver medal at the Dubrovnik Senior European Cup in 2018. Patricija won a silver medal at the Zagreb Grand Prix in 2021, followed by a 5th place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in 2021. She came 7th at the Almada Grand Prix in 2023.
Can you tell us about your journey in judo? How did you get started and what motivated you to pursue it as a competitive sport?
My journey in judo began during my time in primary school when my best friend invited me to join her for judo practice. The experience of traveling, making good friends, and winning medals greatly motivated me to pursue judo as a competitive sport.
What do you consider your strengths as a judo athlete? How have these strengths contributed to your success in competitions?
I believe my strengths lie in my persistence and determination. Whenever I faced injuries, I always came back stronger. These qualities have played a significant role in my success in competitions.
Could you describe a challenging situation you faced during a judo match and how you managed to overcome it? What did you learn from that experience?
There have been instances when I felt incapable of succeeding, but having my trainer and teammates believe in me provided immense support. Their presence helped me overcome those challenges, teaching me the importance of having a strong support system.
How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for important judo competitions? Are there any specific training methods or strategies you follow?
While the physical aspect is managed by my trainer, the mental preparation is solely up to me. I work with a mental coach, and my partner helps me become the best version of myself. However, overall, I don’t follow any special training methods or strategies.
Judo requires a combination of technique, strength, and agility. How do you balance and enhance these different aspects of your performance?
As mentioned earlier, my trainer takes charge of coordinating the physical training sessions, ensuring a balanced focus on technique, strength, and agility. When it comes to competitions, I believe that my body instinctively knows what to do.
Can you talk about a time when you had to adapt your judo style or strategy to counter an opponent’s strengths? How do you approach tactical adjustments during a match?
We analyse our opponents through video analysis, but if that’s not available, I rely on my intuition to feel and adapt to their strengths. However, I always make sure to stay true to my judo style.
What role does physical conditioning play in your judo training? How do you ensure you maintain peak physical fitness throughout the competitive season?
Physical conditioning is of utmost importance in judo. Aside from the regular judo training, I engage in fitness exercises three times a week and perform conditioning exercises once a week. This routine helps me maintain peak physical fitness throughout the competitive season.
Judo involves various weight categories. How do you manage your weight and ensure you’re competing in the optimal category? Are there any dietary or nutritional practices you follow?
Currently, we have a nutritionist who assists us in maintaining our weight. However, personally, I’ve never had any issues with weight loss and management.
Apart from technical skills, what other qualities do you believe are crucial for a successful judo athlete? How do you work on developing those qualities?
In addition to technical skills, mental strength is paramount. To cultivate these qualities, I emphasize the importance of training, perseverance, and honing a wide range of techniques. It’s an ongoing process of continuous improvement through dedication and hard work.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your judo career that you’re particularly proud of? What made it special for you?
One of my most cherished moments was winning my first European medal. It was a significant milestone for me, serving as proof that I could achieve great things in judo.
Judo is known for its principles of discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. How do you embody these principles in your daily life as a judo athlete?
Judo has imparted invaluable lessons, teaching me the importance of politeness, respect for others, perseverance, and hard work. These moral values guide me in my everyday interactions, both within and outside the realm of judo.
What are your future goals in judo? Are there any specific competitions or milestones you aspire to achieve in the coming years?
My ultimate goal in judo is to compete in the Olympic Games. It represents the ultimate achievement in the sport, and I am determined to make it a reality.
Judo is both an individual and a team sport. How do you balance your personal aspirations with the responsibilities of being a team player?
Finding a balance between personal aspirations and being a team player is crucial in judo. While my individual goals are important to me, I understand the significance of teamwork and the collective effort required to succeed. I actively contribute to the team’s dynamics by supporting and encouraging my teammates, sharing knowledge and experiences, and celebrating their successes. By nurturing a positive team environment, we can collectively thrive and achieve our goals together.
Judo requires a high level of focus and concentration. How do you maintain your focus during matches, particularly in high-pressure situations?
Maintaining focus during matches, especially in high-pressure situations, is a skill I continuously work on. I have found that music helps me enter a focused mindset before stepping onto the mat. Additionally, I make use of visualization techniques, mentally rehearsing my strategies and techniques to improve my concentration. By staying present and in the moment, trusting my training, and embracing the challenge, I can remain focused even when the stakes are high.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring judo athletes who are looking to excel in the sport?
To aspiring judo athletes, my advice is threefold: First and foremost, never give up. The path to success in judo, like any sport, is filled with obstacles and setbacks. Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges and reaching your goals. Second, remember to have fun. Enjoying the journey and finding joy in the process of improvement will sustain your passion for judo. Finally, embrace continuous learning and training.
Dedicate yourself to constant improvement, explore new techniques, seek guidance from experienced coaches, and surround yourself with a supportive team. With dedication, resilience, and a love for the sport, you can excel in judo and reach your full potential.
