Olympic champion Nora Gjakova has opened a new chapter in her career. The Kosovo judo legend, who announced her retirement from the sport earlier this year, has joined the Walloon Judo Federation, reports Judoinside.
Wallonia is a region in the south of Belgium where the French language is spoken.
She will work alongside coach Pedro Guedes, with the aim of helping develop the younger generations in Belgium.
The two coaches know each other, as Guedes previously worked for a short period as a coach in Kosovo. Both are polyglots and the French language will not be difficult for them.
Gjakova became Olympic champion in "Tokyo 2020" in the up to 57 kilogram category.
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She is one of the most successful athletes in Kosovo. In her career, Gjakova also has a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships in Budapest, is the 2018 European Champion in Tel Aviv and the European bronze medalist in Lisbon in 2021. She is also the winner of many medals at Grand Prix and Grand Slam competitions, including successes in Tbilisi and Baku.
Nora Gjakova is the winner of 33 medals in major competitions.
Her last appearance on the tatami was at the famous Paris Grand Slam last year. Shortly after, she realized that her competitive chapter had come to an end.
"After the Paris Grand Slam I realized I didn't want to compete anymore," Gjakova explained, Judoinside.com reported on Thursday. "I was physically in good shape, but I was mentally exhausted. I felt like I had nothing more to show and I just wanted to stop."
The decision came after a difficult Olympic cycle, during which she suffered a serious injury, five months before the Olympic Games.
The intense preparations needed to get back into shape had their consequences, especially on the mental side.
"To get back I had to train six hours a day. It didn't have an impact before the Olympics, but then I started to question everything. I realized I didn't love racing the same way anymore."
Although she decided to stop, she waited before making the announcement public.
"The coach told me to give myself some time to reflect. So I waited until I made the final decision."
Her transition to coaching began quickly. In January, she visited the Belgian Open in Herstal at the invitation of the Walloon Federation, where the first discussions took place for her to take on the role of coach. This collaboration officially began on April 1.
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Now working with athletes every day, she discovered a different rhythm of life.
"Coaching takes up a lot of time, but the difference is that when I have free time, I feel more relaxed. As an athlete there is always pressure. Now I can be more productive outside of training."
Although she continues to train physically, she admits that leaving the competition has been emotional.
"I rarely spar now because I get emotional. I miss training, I miss lifting weights and the early mornings before competitions."
As a coach, she remains loyal to the Kosovo development system she inherited from mentor Driton Kuka, whose structural and disciplinary approach has produced Olympic champions such as Majlinda Kelmendi and Distria Krasniqi.
"I believe in our system. The focus on technique, catching and discipline is very important. I am strict with athletes when it comes to preparation, but maybe I am more understanding."
Her journey from humble beginnings in Kosovo continues to shape her philosophy. She recalls training in difficult conditions with limited space and few training partners.
"We trained in small halls, sometimes without heating or electricity. Now Kosovo judo has become a professional and successful system. This shows what is possible with the right structure."
Gjakova hopes to bring her experience to Wallonia, to help Belgian judokas who have Olympic ambitions.
Seven of the greatest successes in Nora's amazing career
Her personal interests extend beyond the tatami. She is pursuing her master's degree in Sports Sciences and Health and Physical Activity, and as a trainer she is open to international opportunities, seminars and clinics.
"My goal now is to discover who I am outside of judo, to travel and have new experiences. Personally, I want to share my knowledge with athletes, to increase their potential."
From Olympic champion to international coach, Nora Gjakova's impact on judo is far from over. Her competitive career may be over, but her next challenge, building future champions, has only just begun.
