Zakia Khudadadi K44 -47kg
"Against my Turkish opponent, I felt very strong technically, but especially very tired and handicapped by a knee pain. In the end, it came down to a hair's breadth... Two small points behind her. This pain appeared almost a year ago, before going to sleep for a few months, but with the techniques I used today and the strength I put into my knees, it resurfaced. On top of that, I was honoring my first fight on French soil and that put a lot of pressure on me, I was extremely anxious. This stress made it much more difficult for me to fight in Paris than in another country. I worked very hard to get here today, but it was not enough for me to feel at my best on the mat, and I know I am capable of achieving a lot. I would be really honored if France gave me the nationality, and more generally, I am happy with the life I have had for a year here. I could only participate in two competitions, but I still got a medal, and more than anything I am satisfied to be able to progress in my field. I really enjoy my life in France, and the calm. Coming from a country at war has changed my life. I can't say yet that I am totally at peace spiritually or mentally, but I have the chance to live, sleep, wake up, fight in peace. France has given me this chance, and I hope that my mind will soon be at peace as well. My priority remains to learn French to be able to communicate properly. Of course, the sport and the fights do not stop, and I intend to do better as soon as the Manchester Grand Prix if my knee allows me.
