Antonio Diaz, Ivan Leal, Jordan Thomas, different generations but two common points, karate and world champion. They tell their most striking story. Moments of emotion and unforgettable memories.

By Ludovic Mauchien
Photo : D.R

Antonio Diaz : « Senseï Inoue was crying and gave me a hug… »

Since 1998, his 1st World championships, he has been 9 times medalist in a row. He was Kata World champion in 2010 and 2012.

« My first gold medal was in Belgrad, in 2010. Becoming a World champion for me was very special, not just because of the title, but because the way it happened. From 2002, I was each time on the podium. I won 3 consecutive bronze and finally, in 2008, in Tokyo, I reached the final but I lost 3-2 against Valdesi. I was about to give up when I decide to try one more time.

So, in Serbia, I was determined to be on the top of the podium. I remember that I had to do 5 matches before the final. The 2^nd round was against Peru’s Tamashiro. I had a lot of pressure because we grew up facing each other in the Panamerican championships. Then, the semi final was against Ibrahim of Egypt. It was also a strong match because he had been Junior World champion.

Finally, one more time, I was facing Valdesi in the final, the rematch from 2008. I felt really good with my performance and I won 4-1. When I saw the flags, I wanted to raise my arms to celebrate the title but I took my hands to my face and I thought I finally made it !

I still remember when I received my medal and the national anthem in the stadium. That moment made all my sacrifices and efforts worth it !

After the podium, I went to thank Senseï Inoue. He was crying and he gave me a hug. I cherish this moment as one of the best with him because it is not usual to see a Japanese Senseï showing his emotions like this. I was really happy to make him feel proud.

Then, two years later, I went to Paris to defend my title, in which I think it has been the best World championship ever so far. The organization and the atmosphere were amazing. For me personally, it was also very special because my parents and my sister were there. And I managed to be one more time World champion, been the first in history to win all my matches 5-0 (Kiyuna in the ½ final and Minh Dack in the final).

It was also special because Rika Usami won the female kata and we had trained together a lot for this tournament. Inoue Senseï was proud and happy again. His two students were the World champions ».

Jordan Thomas : « That day was mine »

European Champion in 2014, England’s Jordan Thomas was World champion in 2016.

« My memories of the last World championships were just like a roller coaster. The emotions were high and low, from tired to being really, really focused on my performance, with a great determination. That’s what brought me through.

You can have all the skills in the world, but to win the world title, you just have to have your day. And that day was mine. In fact, you have to have 2 days because the final is 2 days later. My preparation went well and I just had to go and execute the job ».

Ivan Leal : « It’s just wonderful and irreplaceable ! »

Two-time World champion in -75 kg (2000, 2002), Spain’s Ivan Leal has also been a two-time team gold medalist.

 « I would like to tell an unforgettable moment of each of the times I have had the chance to win the Senior World championships.

-Munich 2000 : Youth, innocence, illusion and impudence allowed me to win my first individual title.

-Madrid 2002 : Unity in the team and friendship allowed us to realize our dream... Win the team gold medal.

-Madrid 2002 bis : To become World champion in my city, in my country, in front of my friends and my people... It's just wonderful and irreplaceable ! This is my 2nd individual title.

Tampere 2006 : The best generation in the history of Spanish Karate wins a second team gold medal ! We won 5 medals in all (+ bronze in 2000 and 2008, and silver in 2004).