French Judo Star Aurélien Diesse Fights Through dislocated Finger to Compete at Paris Olympics
Despite a devastating finger injury sustained just minutes before his opening match, French judoka Aurélien Diesse persevered, competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in front of a roaring home crowd, Diesse’s Olympic dream was nearly derailed by a complete tear of the extensor tendon, ulnar collateral ligament, and a bone avulsion in his left ring finger.
Diesse’s Grueling Road to the Olympics
Diesse, a former junior European champion and multiple-time French national champion in both the -90kg and -100kg categories, had previously demonstrated his potential on the world stage, defeating top-ranked athletes at prestigious tournaments. Though, a string of injuries, including multiple shoulder surgeries and knee ligament damage, earned him the nickname “the soldier with 1000 injuries.”
Triumph and Tribulation at the Arena du Champs de Mars
Undeterred, Diesse, fueled by the energy of 8,000 fans chanting his name, swiftly defeated his first opponent, Madzhidov of Tajikistan, with an ippon in just 30 seconds. Though, the victory came at a cost, as he repeatedly dislocated his already mangled finger during the bout.
The second match against Israeli Peter Palchik proved to be a grueling test of endurance. despite initially leading with two shidos (penalties) against his opponent,Diesse’s injury worsened as the match progressed into golden score. Visibly struggling and taking longer to rise after each restart, Diesse eventually succumbed to three penalties, resulting in his elimination.
The Extent of the Injury Revealed
“Ten minutes before entering the call room, I injured my left ring finger,” Diesse revealed. “But it wasn’t a simple dislocation. In fact, I had wholly destroyed the structure of my left ring finger: complete tear of the extensor tendon, complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, bone avulsion, disinsertion of the palmar plate, damage to the capsule…” This injury affected his grip, a critical element in judo.
Diesse further explained the ordeal: “The first fight went well, and I was able to score ippon quickly. But in 30 seconds of fighting, I had to put my finger back in place three times.” The subsequent match against Palchik lasted much longer,exacerbating the injury. “At first, I managed to be active despite the pain. My opponent was suffering, and he was the one receiving penalties. My finger was dislocating, but I managed to put it back in.But the more it went on, the more challenging it was.” By his estimate,his finger dislocated around 20 times in the fight. “As an inevitable result, all the muscles in my hand were tetanized, and I tried to put my finger back in place as best I could and took longer to get up…”
team Spirit Prevails
Despite the crushing disappointment of his individual loss, Diesse chose to delay immediate surgery and remain with the French team for the mixed team event. He selflessly offered his support and expertise, even advising judo legend Teddy Riner before his match against Italian Guilio Pirelli. Diesse had beaten Pirelli in Italy and offered key insight to Riner, realizing the magnitude of the moment – that he, Aurélien, was counseling one of the best athletes ever, for a chance at an Olympic medal.
France ultimately won the gold medal in the mixed team event. Though he did not compete, Diesse received a gold medal, a testament to his dedication and team spirit. Riner himself acknowledged Diesse’s contribution, stating, “Be proud of this medal; you earned it!”
Looking Ahead
Diesse has since undergone surgery and is currently focused on recovery and light training. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in engineering and ergonomics of physical activity and seeking sponsorship to support his future athletic endeavors, with his sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
French Judo Star Aurélien Diesse fights Through Dislocated Finger to compete at Paris Olympics: Q&A
This Q&A section clarifies key details adn provides additional insights into Aurélien Diesse’s remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics.
Q&A
What was the exact nature of Aurélien Diesse’s finger injury?
Diesse suffered a complete tear of his extensor tendon,ulnar collateral ligament,and a bone avulsion in his left ring finger. He also had a disinsertion of the palmar plate and damage to the capsule.
How did the injury impact his performance in the matches?
The injury severely compromised his grip, a crucial aspect of judo, leading to repeated dislocations during his matches. He reported dislocating his finger approximately 20 times in his second match.The pain and instability significantly hampered his ability to fight effectively.
Who were Diesse’s opponents at the Olympics?
His first opponent was Madzhidov of Tajikistan, whom he defeated. His second match was against Israeli Peter Palchik,which he lost.
Did Diesse win a medal?
While he lost his individual matches, Diesse received a gold medal in the mixed team event. He did not compete, but his presence and support were deemed vital to the team’s success.
What does “ippon” mean in Judo?
In Judo, an “ippon” is the equivalent of a knockout in boxing. It’s an immediate win, achieved by throwing an opponent with considerable force onto their back, holding them down for 20 seconds, or other methods like a submission hold. Diesse secured an ippon in his first match.
What are “shidos” in Judo?
shidos are penalties given to judoka for rule infractions during a match. Two shidos lead to the opponent being awarded a point, and three shidos result in disqualification. Diesse was initially leading his second match with two shidos against his opponent, but ultimately lost due to receiving three.
What is “golden score” in Judo?
Golden score is a period of extra time in Judo matches that occur when the score is tied after the regulation time. The first player to score a point or receive a penalty during the golden score wins the match.
What is Aurélien Diesse doing now?
Diesse has undergone surgery and is currently focused on recovery and light training. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in engineering and ergonomics of physical activity while seeking sponsorship for his future athletic endeavors, with the Los Angeles Olympics as his goal.
What is the significance of Teddy Riner’s statement “Be proud of this medal; you earned it!”?
This statement underscores the value of Diesse’s contribution to the team’s success. Riner,a judo legend,recognized Diesse’s dedication and the impact he made on their gold medal win. The statement emphasizes that even though Diesse did not compete, his support was critical to the team’s victory.
Aurélien Diesse’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and team spirit. Consider how you can apply his dedication to overcome your own challenges.
