Get ready to meet Roman Dekan, a rising star in judo who’s making his mark both nationally and internationally. In this exclusive interview with Vanity Teen, we talk to the 18-year-old national judo champion about what it means to achieve such a major milestone at a young age, the inspiration behind his relentless dedication, and how he balances the physical and mental demands of the sport. From honoring his family to setting ambitious goals, Roman Dekan shares the secrets to his success and what’s next on his journey toward international victory.
How did it feel to become the national judo champion at 18, and what does this achievement mean to you?
Becoming the national judo champion at 18 is a great honor for me, and I deeply appreciate this result. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Right now, I’m focused on preparing for the next season, with the goal of not only repeating this success but also making my mark at the international level.
What inspires you the most on and off the mat to keep improving as a judoka, and what are your next goals in your sports career?
My biggest inspiration is my father, who taught me never to give up, no matter the challenge. I have many personal goals that I’ll keep to myself for now, but my main focus is to improve and keep moving forward with every training session. Continuous growth is what drives me.
Judo requires both physical and mental strength. How do you balance physical preparation with mental preparation for big competitions?
For me, training and sports, in general, act as a form of relaxation, so I don’t really struggle with the mental side. On the physical side, I take things step by step, steadily progressing with each training session. Before matches, I have certain rituals that help me concentrate and get into the right mindset to achieve the best possible result.