In this interview, Rustam Orujov, an Olympic silver medallist, World Championship runner-up, and European judo champion, shares his journey in judo. He was introduced to the sport at seven and quickly fell in love with it, progressing from training with his family to competing on the global stage. Orujov credits his father and brother for their support, which pushed him to excel.
Throughout his career, Orujov achieved success at the highest levels of judo, including participating in three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020). He recalls his silver medal win in Rio as his most memorable achievement, although his journey to Tokyo was hampered by COVID-19 and challenging rehabilitation. Despite the setbacks, he takes pride in having carried the Azerbaijani flag at the Tokyo opening ceremony.
As an elite athlete, Orujov highlights the importance of mental readiness in judo and how the pressure of representing his country pushed him to succeed. He continues to stay motivated by avoiding distractions, focusing on his training, and setting clear goals. Now looking ahead to Paris 2024, Orujov contemplates the timing of his retirement while maintaining his passion for judo.
He offers advice to young judoka, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and mental strength. Orujov also reflects on the life lessons judo has taught him, including discipline, humility, and resilience. Even after retirement, he plans to remain engaged in the judo community as an ambassador, hoping to inspire future generations.
Who is Rustam Orujov?
Rustam Orujov was born on 4 October, 1991 in Irkutsk, Russia. He is in the -73kg weight category in Judo and represents Azerbaijan. Rustam achieved Olympic silver in Rio and finished 5th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
He also won silver in the World Championships in Budapest (2017) and Tokyo (2019). At the European Championships, he won gold in 2016, silver in 2019, and bronze in 2017, 2020, and 2022. Rustam excelled in the IJF World Tour events, claiming multiple victories at Grand Prixs and Slams.
He won gold at the Grand Prix in Baku (2012), Tbilisi (2015), Samsun (2015), Havana (2016), and Zagreb (2017). He also won gold at the Grand Slam in Baku (2013 and 2015), and Budapest (2020). Additionally, he proudly carried Azerbaijan’s flag at the Tokyo Olympic Games’ opening ceremony.
Interview with Rustam Orujov
Can you share with us how you first became involved in judo and what motivated you to start practicing the sport?
I discovered Judo when I was seven years old, and prior to that, I had no knowledge of its existence. I had previously dabbled in Sambo and Wrestling, but once I tried Judo, I instantly saw its brilliance. I knew right then that this was the sport I wanted to pursue further.
How did your family and friends react when you started practicing judo, and has their support played a role in your judo journey?
My father deserves special mention as he always motivated me and trained alongside me. In fact, my younger brother also took up Judo, so we formed a close-knit support system. We constantly pushed each other to excel and engage in friendly competition. There was always a healthy rivalry between us, striving to earn spots and bring home more gold medals. As for my friends, they have been unwavering in their support, standing by me no matter what.
Who were your early mentors or coaches in judo, and how did they influence your development as a judo athlete?
When I began my Judo journey in Russia, my first coach was Yuri Genadyevich. He was an exceptional trainer, and I owe a great deal of my growth and skill development to him. His guidance and expertise had a profound influence on shaping me as an athlete.
Did you have any prior experience or exposure to martial arts or combat sports before starting judo?
No, I did not have any prior exposure to martial arts or combat sports before embarking on my Judo journey. At that time, it was too early for me to consider or have an opinion about such activities.
Were there any specific role models or judo athletes who inspired you during your early days, and how did they influence your approach to judo?
During my early days in Judo, I had limited knowledge about notable Judo players. However, as I progressed and learned new skills and techniques, I began researching and studying other players. One athlete who stood out to me was the legendary Judo player Giorgi Zantaraya. I watched his videos and learned techniques from him, and he gradually became my idol.
Can you tell us about your journey as a judo athlete and how you managed to qualify for three Olympic Games (London, Rio, and Tokyo)?
The journey of an Olympic athlete is both exhilarating and challenging. My first Olympic experience was in London 2012, where I unexpectedly faced the reigning champion, Mansur Isayev, in the second round and unfortunately lost. Despite the outcome, it marked a significant chapter in my life, fuelling my motivation to excel further. In Rio, I was mentally and physically prepared, ranked first in World Judo Ranking.
I competed with determination and secured the second-place spot, which I found satisfying. However, my journey to Tokyo was met with a setback as I contracted COVID-19, leading to a challenging rehabilitation process. Had it not been for the illness, coupled with rigorous training, I believe I could have clinched a medal in Tokyo.
What were the key challenges you faced during each of these Olympic Games, and how did you overcome them?
The Olympic Games present unique challenges and a distinct atmosphere. Mental readiness is crucial for success in this arena. I recognized that any lack of mental preparedness would lead to defeat. To overcome these challenges, I focused on maintaining a strong mindset, building resilience, and staying motivated.
What have been the most memorable moments or achievements for you during these Olympic Games?
Each Olympic Games holds its own special memories. London 2012 stands out as it marked the beginning of my Olympic journey, igniting a newfound motivation within me. In Rio, the most unforgettable moment was standing on the podium, looking at the medal, and feeling the electric energy from the crowd. Finally, in Tokyo, being the flag bearer for my national team was an incredible honour and a cherished memory.
How has representing your country at the Olympic Games impacted your judo career and personal life?
Representing my country at the Olympic Games has profoundly impacted both my judo career and personal life. With each successful performance, I garnered increased respect and love from the people of my nation. Despite this, I have remained grounded and true to myself, maintaining humility throughout the journey.
With the Tokyo Olympics behind you, what are your expectations and goals for the next Olympic Games in Paris?
Initially, I had anticipated winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics and retiring thereafter. Although things didn’t go as planned, I’m not disheartened. I had also considered competing in Paris 2024; however, I am aware that age plays a significant role in Judo, and careful consideration must be given to timing.
How do you maintain your motivation and drive as an athlete, particularly after competing at the highest level in multiple Olympic Games?
Maintaining motivation and drive as an athlete requires setting goals and having a clear purpose. Dreaming big and working hard to achieve those dreams is essential. Personally, I have always steered clear of negative habits such as alcohol and distractions like nightclubs. I remained focused on my goal and prioritized my dedication to the sport.
As a judo athlete with extensive Olympic experience, what advice would you give to young aspiring judo athletes who aim to represent their country at the Olympic Games in the future?
My advice to young aspiring judo athletes who aspire to represent their country at the Olympic Games is to set clear targets. Establish a regimen that ensures consistent training and progress. I firmly believe that hard work and consistency are the keys to success in Judo.
How do you balance your personal life, training, and competition schedule as a high-level judo athlete?
Balancing personal life, training, and a demanding competition schedule can be challenging for any athlete. Judo, in particular, requires significant time commitment and often means spending prolonged periods away from family. This separation can affect morale, which is a crucial aspect of performance. Adequate rest and sleep are crucial, as is establishing a routine. Despite the challenges, I strive to strike a balance, making use of mental and physical organization. Daily schedules and reminders on my phone help me manage training, personal commitments, and time with friends effectively.
How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a successful judo athlete and a representative of your country?
A notable instance of handling pressure and expectations was during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when I served as the captain of the entire national team. The weight of expectations was immense, especially since it was my prime time, and my sole goal was to win a medal. The people of my country were also hoping for a medal, intensifying the pressure not to disappoint them. However, I managed to cope with the pressure, secure the silver medal, and felt that I represented my country exceptionally well.
Looking back at your judo journey, what would you say is the most valuable lesson or insight you gained from starting and continuing to practice judo?
Judo has not only shaped my career but also influenced my lifestyle. It has become a part of me, and the tatami feels like a second home. Through Judo, I learned invaluable lessons about Japanese culture, humility, cleanliness, hard work, and the importance of being smart.
Lastly, what legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind as a judo athlete, both within the sport and beyond?
Even after retiring from my professional career, I aspire to contribute positively to the World Judo Community. I am confident that I will always remain engaged in Judo, inspiring and motivating younger generations. I have plans to become an ambassador, whether for the Azerbaijan Judo Federation or the International Judo Federation. My aim is to leave a lasting legacy within the sport, fostering its growth and sharing the values and principles that Judo has instilled in me. Beyond the sport, I hope to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact on the lives of others, promoting dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavours.
