Paris 2024 - Marcela Sakobi: "Bringing a medal home"
Marcela Sakobi is competing at her second consecutive Olympics, in Paris. The Congolese boxer hopes to improve on her result at Tokyo in 2021.
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Sport News Africa: Marcela Sakobi, you are about to compete at your second consecutive Olympic Games. How are you feeling?
Marcela Sakobi : I'm very happy and very proud of myself. I thank my federation for allowing me to reach this level.
In Tokyo, the result was not great, with an exit in the first round. What are you expecting in Paris?
I intend to do better in Paris. I've gained experience and I'm determined to win a medal for my country.
You certainly have the determination, but did your preparation live up to your expectations?
The preparation conditions were not good. I did not train in a ring for almost a month. I lacked suitable equipment to prepare better. It was difficult.
It's true that the last month of preparation was difficult, but before that you took part in several continental competitions and you did a training camp in South Africa. Does all that not count?
Yes, all that counts, but it's thanks to our federation, which I thank for allowing me to take part in all those competitions. For the Johannesburg camp, I thank Junior Makabu, who helped us a lot by organising this camp for us. It's also thanks to this camp that Brigitte was able to prepare better to secure her qualification in Bangkok. All of that came from the federation, but the government did not help us prepare better.
"The preparation was difficult in Kinshasa"
Precisely, how important was this camp in South Africa for you?
It was very important because over there we prepared very well, with all the equipment; we had real sparring bouts. But once back home, there was nothing good. I would have liked to stay in South Africa to continue the preparation, but that wasn't the case. The preparation was really difficult in Kinshasa.
What could help you achieve a better result in Paris?
First of all, experience and refining my boxing. I've changed my boxing with my technical team. Today I have a very varied style. I'm not afraid, I even fight men or women in higher weight categories. I really need to bring a medal home.
Between 2023 and 2024 you recorded very good results, notably regaining your African champion title. Do you think you are at your best level?
Yes, I'm in good shape, but I need encouragement from my government, my federation and my whole country. Especially financially. It will help me have a strong mindset.