“That was unbelievable” – Borchashvili: Escape from war culminates in bronze


As a boy, Shamil Borchashvili once fled Chechnya to Austria – yesterday he won an Olympic bronze medal in judo. That was unbelievable, I was so mentally strong today, ”he cried.

What a story! In 2005 Shamil Borchashvili fled the war in Chechnya with his family at the age of ten – and ended up in Austria. 16 years later, Shamil, who speaks perfect German, is an Olympic medalist. In judo.

It wasn’t until 2018 that the 26-year-old decided to try this sport to the full, which he had previously only played as a hobby. Which was also due to the fact that he only received Austrian citizenship in 2017. For this he now lives judo with absolute devotion. “I love this sport. He teaches me so many things like respect. ”And mental strength. All week he demonstrated how much Shamil can focus. So he deleted all social media accounts before the start of the Olympics. He did not allow himself any distractions in the Olympic village.

For this he got the reward yesterday. “That feels amazing,” he cheered. “I was so relaxed today, so strong in my head!” Indeed. He put one world-class opponent on the mat after another. First he beat the World Cup third place Anri Egutidze (Por), then Israel’s number two in the world Sagi Muki and Sharofiddin Boltabojew (Usb). Although he lost to Saeid Mollaei (Mgl), he completely dominated Dominic Ressel (D) in the bronze fight. Shortly afterwards, Shamil wept with happiness. “Three years ago, my dream was to be here. I didn’t think it would be a medal. “

Seven siblings
It is a success that he shares with many people. Especially with his large family. His parents, whom he called in the evening, and his two brothers and five sisters. “The youngest, Selima, is my princess,” he grins. And jokes: “To protect against theft, I have to keep the medal in the cellar.”

Above all, one thing was important to him. He wanted to thank all kinds of people. Above all his brothers Wachid and Kimran, who like him practice judo. The elder Kimran accompanied him to Tokyo, helped prepare him. Of course, he also thanked his coaches.

Sabsi’s role
And then there was Sabrina Filzmoser. “I owe so much to Sabsi,” said Shamil, moved. “I grew up with her. She is my big sister to me. “When Borchashvili and his family came to Wels, it was Filzmoser who, as is their generous nature, looked after him, picked him up for training, supported him financially, and paved the way for him to play judo opened.

“I have no words for Sabsi,” he said. “It’s one that is not so easy to find, that was always there for me, even when I was an idiot.” Sabsi had asked for a medal, preferably from him. Even when Shamil was in the mixed zone, he stormed she inside and hugged her little brother.

Kronen Newspaper, Tokyo