We caught up with Faye Njie during his Olympic training. Join us as Nije shares his remarkable journey that all started after a friend invited him to an introduction session in Helsinki, and saw him switch allegiances from Finland to The Gambia.
Who is Faye Njie?
Previously based in Finland, Njie currently lives in France while representing Gambia. At the Rio Olympics, he narrowly lost to current Asian Games gold medallist Didar KHAMZA (KAZ) in his single contest.
Njie also secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. He earned a bronze medal at the 2024 African Championships in Cairo, along with two additional bronze and two silver medals from other African Championships.
Faye Njie Interview
Can you tell us about your early life in Helsinki and how you first got into judo?
I was always interested in all types of sports, and at the age of six, I started playing football in a club. A couple of years later, my friend was planning to start judo and asked me to come to an introduction session, as he hesitated to go on his own. So, that’s how I ended up in judo, and I’m still involved in it after all these years.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the world of judo, and how have they influenced your style and approach?
One inspiration is definitely Lasha Shavdatuashvili, as he has been very consistent throughout the years and always reaches his top form at the most crucial moments. Additionally, I admire his continuous hunger to win more titles despite having won nearly everything possible. He has also shown that age is just a number.
What influenced your decision to represent the Gambia after initially competing for Finland?
My training program and plans (designed by me and my personal coach) were a bit different from the national team’s plans. I stuck with my own approach and consequently was dropped from the selection, so I started looking for an opportunity to represent my other home country.
What were your most memorable moments while representing Finland in various competitions?
Winning medals at junior European Cups were pivotal moments that made me consider a career as a professional athlete, as I could see that hard work really paid off and progress was visible.
What challenges did you face when switching nationalities, and how did you overcome them?
Initially, very few people in the Gambia knew me or what judo was about. The national judo federation didn’t exist, so it was very difficult to get financial support. I self-funded most of my trips for the first few months after switching nationalities. Once I had the opportunity to represent the Gambia at the African Games in Brazzaville and won a silver medal, people noticed me and my potential to bring glory to the country. That was the turning point, as I began receiving support for qualifying competitions for the Rio Olympics 2016.
How has your experience been representing two different countries with distinct cultures, and how has it influenced your approach to judo?
Representing two countries has given me new insights. Additionally, I have spent about five years training abroad (in France and the UK), which has been a very influential experience, allowing me to observe differences and emphasis in training programs.
How has the support from the judo communities in Finland and The Gambia influenced your career?
I have been very lucky to receive support from both sides. There is no bad blood between me and the Finnish community after my switch; they still consider me part of the group and I’m always welcome to join their sessions. My compatriots in the Gambia are very passionate about judo and always follow my competitions, which encourages me to perform well and shows them that they can achieve success too.
As the first Olympic judoka for The Gambia (Rio 2016 Olympic Games), what does this achievement mean to you personally and for the sport in The Gambia?
I haven’t thought about it much. I’ll probably reflect more on these achievements after my retirement. The level of judo and the number of judokas in the Gambia have significantly increased, and judo is now one of the recognized focus sports in the country. I’m very happy to have been part of this change and to have promoted judo in the country.
How does it feel to qualify for your third consecutive Olympics, having competed in Rio, Tokyo, and now preparing for Paris 2024? What does this achievement mean to you both personally and professionally?
It is, of course, a remarkable achievement. Being at the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I have had the privilege to experience it three times. I hope that my past experiences will be beneficial this time and help me advance to the further rounds.
How did it feel to win The Gambia’s first-ever silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham?
Winning the semi-final and reaching the final was one of the most memorable moments of my career. Initially, it was pure joy, but losing the final with narrow margins in the golden score was disappointing, as the gold was definitely within reach.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your judo career, and how did you overcome them?
I have undergone two major operations (on my hamstring and pectoral muscles) that were very severe. The process of getting back in shape was mentally challenging, especially the latter operation, which occurred during a hectic period of qualification for Paris 2024 and could have jeopardized my chances to qualify. Fortunately, my rehabilitation went well, and I was able to return to the mat a bit earlier than predicted.
Can you describe your training regimen leading up to major competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games?
Usually, I adjust my physical preparation program a couple of weeks before major competitions. During this period, heavy weightlifting changes to lighter weights, with a focus on speed and explosiveness. I also do more short, high-paced conditioning to prepare for competitions.
How do you develop your strategy for different opponents in major competitions?
I typically watch both my own fights and those of my potential opponents, searching for their strengths and weaknesses. I also consider their stances and gripping preferences when planning my strategy.
How do you adapt your approach during a match if your initial strategy isn’t working?
It is quite difficult to make significant changes during a match. If I find that the initial plan isn’t working, I either try to find a solution on the ground or raise the risk level and attempt some all-in techniques.
What specific exercises or training routines do you follow to stay in peak physical condition?
In judo sessions, I usually perform a few sets of speed uchikomi and explosive throws.
How important are drilling and sparring in your training, and how do you balance the two?
Both are vital. Drilling helps maintain the fighting sensation and confidence, while sparring keeps the competitive edge sharp.
What are your plans and ambitions for your career after the Paris 2024 Olympics?
I haven’t made specific plans yet. My main goal now is to deliver the best performance of my career in Paris, and after that, I will have time to rest and reflect on what I want to pursue next.
How has your journey in judo contributed to your personal growth and development?
Judo has given me a lot. The person I am and who I have become is due to judo. It has helped me build self-confidence in many areas of life, allowed me to travel the world, and meet and make friends with diverse people. Being a judoka has opened doors and provided opportunities in many areas.
What is your overall philosophy when it comes to training and competing in judo?
I believe in hard work. When you want something more than anything else and are willing to give your all for it, anything is possible.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being a top-level judoka?
From Monday to Saturday, I live and breathe judo, and Sundays are when I take a break to do something completely different and refresh my mind.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone who is just starting their journey in judo?
Enjoy every moment you spend on the tatami.
How should aspiring judokas approach and learn from their losses and setbacks?
Setbacks are part of an athlete’s career. Those who accept this and are ready to get up from the bottom repeatedly will eventually become champions.
What message do you have for young judokas in Finland and The Gambia who look up to you as a role model?
Success comes before work only once, in the dictionary.
