Mark Hristov on the UAE proposal to Boec.BG

21-year-old judo competitor Mark Hristov gave a special interview to Boec.BG and talked about the path to winning the bronze medal and the offers for competitive activity abroad that he received afterwards.

The Shun Judo competitor recorded three victories in Zagreb and thus won his first medal in the men's category of an elite tournament of the International Judo Federation (IJF). Here is what our national judo player shared after this success.

How do you feel physically and mentally after winning the medal in Zagreb?

– I am glad that I finished the race healthy and without serious injuries. There is always a certain amount of pain after a tough race, but within the normal range. Winning this medal showed me that we are going in the right direction, and that I am now competitive with the best competitors in the world.

How does it feel to win a medal at the Men's Grand Prix at just 21 years old?

– The feeling is pleasant, but not surprising given the preparation we did.

You've already played against the big names in your category and performed more than decently. What do you plan to work on next Olympic cycle to break into the top 15 in your category?

– I think that performing well in a match and winning it are two very different things. A lot of people go for the “heroic loss”, while in my opinion it is still just a loss. I don’t think we will change anything specific in the training process. For now, we are continuing the same way, but we are always open to new ideas that would be useful.

Tell us about the offer from the UAE – what was it like, how did the negotiations go, what motivated you to stay here?

– I was at a camp abroad and after one of the training sessions, my coach told me that there was an offer from the UAE to compete under their flag for a certain amount. My coach knows me well enough and we didn’t even consider it necessary to inquire further about the UAE’s offer. There were no negotiations because I wouldn’t compete for a country other than Bulgaria , regardless of the tempting amounts for a 21-year-old. Still, their offer made me happy because it showed me that I had the necessary level and people were starting to notice it.

In 2019, Mark won a gold medal at the European Youth Cup in Sarajevo, and two years earlier he won a silver medal at the World Cadet Championships. He has been competing at elite international forums since 2016.

What makes you different from other boys your age? What do you owe your rapid progress in sports to?

– I don't think I'm different, I'm more of a boy who chose his path early on and hasn't stopped following it. Unfortunately, I notice that most of my peers have no ambitions for development in any field. I think my progress isn't fast, but the result of many years of hard work and hardship.

How would you describe the transition from youth to elite men's sports for yourself? How big is the difference in strength, mental attitude, technique, etc. ?

– Moving from the juniors to the men’s elite, I noticed the professionalism and perseverance with which the men approach the training process – something that is not seen in all juniors. Certainly in men the strength and technique are at a higher level, while As for the psyche, I think you either have it or you don't. Regardless of age.

In 2020 and 2021, Hristov played 16 men's competitions, but he doesn't plan to stop there...on November 5th, he will enter the battle for a medal at the European Men's U23 Championship.

You competed at a high level in 2020 and 2021. What is the most valuable thing you have learned about yourself and the sport in the last two years?

– I learned that the more you give, the more you will get.

What motivates you to keep training day after day? What is your big goal in sports?

– I am motivated by all the people behind me, who are excited and expect my every step on the tatami. The people who don't want me to succeed also contribute to my motivation. My big goal is not just to go to the next Olympics, but to give my best and, if it's meant to be, to come back with a medal.

Do you have any hobbies? Anything to take your mind off judo?

– I have a variety of hobbies – from the mountains to the sea. In the winter I ski and snowboard, and in the summer I like to diversify by practicing all kinds of water sports – mostly kite surfing and wakeboarding. In addition, I like to play football. I have found the balance and when it is not necessary, judo is not in my head.

What do you wish for the upcoming racing season?

– I wish to be healthy and show everything I am capable of. I will not wish for results, because if I show everything I am capable of, they will come.