Sweden has taken its first Olympic Games medal in Paris, but it could just as well have gone to the United Arab Emirates.
Bronze medalist Tara Babulfath considered switching national teams.
I understand that Tara didn't have any confidence in the Swedish Judo Federation, given how she had been treated, says chairperson Kristiina Pekkola.
On Saturday, 18-year-old Tara Babulfath took Olympic Games bronze in the 48-kilo class, but everything could have looked different. After Babulfath wasn't selected for the national team for a longer period, the Swede considered switching to the United Arab Emirates' national team last winter.
The young judoka and mother Ida Babulfath traveled to the country in the Middle East to arrange everything from a passport to a bank account.
I'm so glad that Tara's father Mohammad approached me in February 2023. Because I wasn't aware of this conflict, says Kristiina Pekkola, chairperson of the Swedish Judo Federation to TT.
New coach decisive
She says that she booked a meeting with Tara Babulfath and the new coach Jane Bridge as soon as the federation chairperson had heard both versions of the conflict.
I understand that Tara didn't have any confidence in the Swedish Judo Federation, given how she had been treated.
In March 2023, the former national team captain resigned.
Then it was much easier to create a team for Tara. So that she has people with competence for her weight class, says Pekkola.
Briton Jane Bridge – who took World Championship gold in 1980 in the 48-kilo class – became part of the persuasion campaign.
When I knew I was going to get the job and checked the latest Swedish results, I saw this name "Tara Babulfath", who had taken a medal at the cadet World Championship. And then I saw her nowhere on this national team camp. So I asked "Where is she?". Then they said: "She's going to the United Arab Emirates, don't think about her", says Bridge after the Olympic Games bronze in Paris.
"I love Sweden"
It led to Bridge setting an ultimatum.
In the end, I accepted the job on the condition that I got to be her coach. So the chairperson (of the judo federation) promised that, says the Briton.
Tara Babulfath didn't want to talk about the conflict after her successful bronze, which is the first Swedish judo medal in history at an Olympic Games.
I've always wanted to compete for Sweden, I was born there and I love Sweden. I'm glad to wear the Swedish flag on me.
Born: January 3, 2006 (18 years old), in Stockholm.
Sport: Judo.
Weight class: 48 kilos.
Club: Stockholm Judo Club.
Achievements: Olympic Games bronze 2024, World Championship bronze 2024, U18 World Championship silver 2022, U18 World Championship bronze 2023, one victory on the World Tour (Baku, 2024)
