Joan-Benjamin Gaba says he is human after world title loss

Joan-Benjamin Gaba’s bid to retain his world title ended in his opening contest in Baku, leaving the French judoka without the chance to defend the crown he won last year. The 25-year-old chose to compete despite concerns from the France staff about his readiness.

Gaba, the defending champion in the under-73kg category, lost to Bulgaria’s 20-year-old Victor Skerlev after seven minutes of golden score. The defeat came at the start of his campaign and brought his day to an immediate end.

His preparation had been severely disrupted by a shoulder injury suffered in a bicycle fall in June. He spent three months away from judo, was unable to join France’s training camps and entered the championships without the preparation normally required for a title defence.

Gaba said he had wanted to compete because withdrawing would have guaranteed the loss of his crown, while taking part at least left open the possibility of retaining it. He accepted that he did not have the condition needed to complete the six contests required for the title, adding that even elite athletes experience difficult periods. Gaba is also the silver medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.