Jorge Fonseca’s eyes are fixed on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 32-year-old judoka has a clear plan to get back on top. First, he needs to sort out his mental game. Fonseca knows he can’t keep making costly mistakes. A single error can ruin months or even years of hard work.
Fonseca’s latest setback happened at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest. He was eliminated in the second round after a crucial mistake 13 seconds from the end of the match. His opponent, Kotsoev, seized the opportunity and won by ippon. Fonseca acknowledges he can’t afford to make such mistakes. “One mistake like that can cost me a medal at the world championships,” he said. “It costs me months, years of my career… and losing like that, it’s tough.”
The judoka tried to take down Kotsoev but ended up faltering. Fonseca’s coach, Pedro Soares, has a saying: “They don’t beat me, I give them the win.” Fonseca knows he needs to work on his mental toughness. He plans to team up with the psychologist who helped him win the world championships in 2019 and 2021. “With a psychologist’s help, everything gets easier,” Fonseca said. “I’ll go back to doing the groundwork and become the Jorge I used to be. I have the capacity to be on the podium.”
Looking back at the match
The match against Kotsoev was a turning point for Fonseca. He realizes now that he needs to focus on his strengths and not let mistakes creep in. Fonseca’s determination to regain his form is evident. He’s not giving up on his Olympic dreams. “I won’t lose focus,” he said. “I’ll do the groundwork, and I’ll get back to being the best version of myself.”
Preparations for the Olympics
Fonseca has three years to prepare for the 2028 Olympics. He knows it won’t be easy, but he’s ready to put in the work. With the help of his psychologist, Fonseca aims to overcome his mental barriers and get back to winning ways. The judoka is confident that he can still achieve great things. “I have the capacity to be on the podium,” he said. “I just need to get back to doing what I do best.”
- Jorge Fonseca is a 32-year-old judoka
- He was eliminated in the second round of the 2025 World Judo Championships
- Fonseca plans to work with a psychologist to improve his mental game
- He aims to regain his form and compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Fonseca’s journey to the Olympics won’t be straightforward, but he’s ready for the challenge. With his determination and the right support, he might just achieve his goals. Only time will tell if Fonseca can regain his winning form and stand on the podium at the 2028 Olympics.