The Amateur Wrestler sits down with Olympic Wrestler, Justin Abdou.

You were close to qualifying in 92 and 96. How did you feel when you finally qualified for the Sydney Games?

I was very excited when I finally qualified. Obviously missing in 1992 and 1996 were major dissapointments in my career. The qualifying process this year was probably the most difficult ever and I had to undergo a surgery on my knee in the middle of the qualifying. It came down to the last tournament for me so I was definately relieved to finally qualify.

How are you dealing with the added pressure of being an Olympian (media, family, friends, etc.)?

I really haven't had any added pressure this year. Most of the media attention thus far has been focussed on our World Champion Daniel Igali. It has been nice to go about our business without any expectations from the media. As far as my family and friends go - they have been, for the most part, excited and happy for me. I have had a few bad years and everyone is just excited that I am healthy and wrestling well again.

You've been at the sport for a long time and have suffered a few physical setbacks over the later part of your career. How's the body holding out and are you primed for Sydney?

I am really happy with the way my body feels heading into the Games. I feel as though I am wrestling better than I ever have and am definately stronger than ever. There are not many people who are expecting a medal from me so I am excited about surprising everyone.

After all is said and done, what will it take for Justin to be happy?

I'll be happy if I wrestle well regardless of my placement. With the draw the way it is, it is possible to wrestle well and not make it out of your pool. I am approaching the Olympics as I would any major competition, I have a gameplan that I plan to stick to. If I execute I'll be a hard guy to beat. I feel as though I am capable of beating anyone in the world on any given day so now it is time to go and get the job done.

Who were your role models growing up?

When I was a young wrestler my dad would take me down to the Natiional Training Center in Regina, Sk. to watch the 1984 Olympic Team train. I really looked up to the guys on that team. Wrestlers like Chris Rinke, Dave McKay and Bob Molle were the ones whose careers that I strated to follow. I really admired Dave McKay's intensity on the mat. He was someone that I looked up to a lot and now he is my coach.

What message do you have for young wrestlers in the sport?

Have fun. Enjoy wrestling and enjoy the places that it takes you. This sport has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to meet so many great people. I see some wrestlers who do not seem to get the most out of their experiences in wrestling because they are so caught up in winning and losing that their careers go by and they really haven't had any fun. Train hard and believe in yourself.

What's the first thing you're going to do after the Games are over?

I am going on my honeymoon with my wife. She has made a lot of sacrafices and put up with me through this whole Olympic preparation. We are really looking forward to spending 14 days together travelling in Australia.

What are you future plans? Do you plan to continue coaching or are you considering a new career?

My future plans are unknown. I have been saying that I am not going to make any decisions on my next goals until after the Olympics. Whatever career path I choose I will definately stay involved in wrestling in some capacity. It is in my blood.

You are here: Home > Training > Q & A with Justin Abdou