Olena Usenko - Multiple Australian National Gold Medals, U 78 kg & 078 (INSIGHT - why judo for Olena)

What age did you begin Judo. 

I have started judo when I was 6 years old. I had no intentions and never heard of such sport before. My first coaches happened to be my neighbours and they saw from their balcony me fighting off 3 boys on the street. They went to my father and asked him to bring me to training. I went and fell in love with the sport as soon as I stepped on the mat.

Why you love judo?

I find judo an incredibly beautiful and graceful sport and the amount of hard work that is needed to achieve such beauty and grace truly fascinates me. Yet, I have to say that it is not the only thing that attracts me in this sport. The philosophy of judo catches my attention the most, I love learning about it and applying it in my life as much as I can. Last year I went on a solo judo trip for over 4 months and trained in 6 different countries. I met many judo people from all over the world. I must say because we were connected through judo it always felt like we knew each other for quite some time. There were always topics to discuss, things to learn from each other. Judo people that I met are very interesting, intelligent, kind and helpful. I guess that attracts me in this sport the most. By applying judo philosophy to your life, you are risking a chance to become a truly amazing human being. I love how judo connects people.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by 4 times European Champion Kim Polling of Netherlands, who overcame a serious back injury and got herself back to the high level after being out of the mat for almost a year. I think her mental attitude and judo style are fantastic. I am fascinated by newaza skills of Sally Conway of Britain - Olympic and Commonwealth games bronze medalist from Britain.  (I was lucky to have a newaza round with her in Mittersill Olympic Training Camp). 4 times World Champion Clarisse Agbegnenou of France. 2 times Olympic Champion Kayla Harrison of USA. I am also a big fan of judo style of Illias Illiadis the youngest ever male Olympic Judo Champion in history. There are of course a lot more athletes who inspire me but the ones that I mentioned are at the top of my list.

Judo Goals?

I want to perform my best at Grand Prix, Grand Slam, World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Olympics. I will keep improving my skills and knowledge in this sport because one day if I decide to become a coach and pass the knowledge on, I want to be sure that what I teach is correct and will be beneficial for developing my students' skills and abilities in this sport.

How long have you been doing judo?

I started when I was 6, then when I was 10 years old, I stopped for 3 years. When I just came to Australia, I didn’t do judo for the first 2 years. Counting all the breaks I’ve been doing judo for about 14 years.

Advice to young judoka.

To look at judo not just from the perspective of combat sport but do their best applying its values and philosophy in their daily life. Not everyone is dreaming to become Olympic Champion and that’s OK, but what I believe one should always aspire is to be a good person. Judo can become great guidance in that regard. DO NOT make a black belt your goal. It is a journey that matters, not a destination. The belt does not mean anything, your skills and what kind of person you are - tell a better story than the colour of your belt. At your trainings do not be afraid to fail and be creative, after all, it is a martial ART.