She did not see the bronze medal that Joanne van Lieshout (20) won at the Judo World Championships in May of this year coming and it has changed a lot for her. “A lot happened after that,” says De Lieropse. Now that the European Championships are scheduled for next weekend, there is a lot of media attention for Joanne. “I don’t necessarily need those interviews, I prefer to show it on the mat.”
Getting onto the podium at your first senior World Championships is something few top athletes can achieve. Joanne was known as a great talent because of her junior world titles in 2021 and 2022, but the bronze medal in the adults came as a surprise. It turned her life upside down.
“During the press day for the World Cup, I had one request for an interview. After my bronze medal there was suddenly a lot of media attention. Only after about three weeks did peace return and I could do my own thing again.”
“I’m not much of a talker, but interviews are part of it.”
The European Judo Championships are scheduled for November 3 to 5 in Montpellier, France. Before the tournament, Joanne was ‘fully booked’ with interviews. And while talking to journalists is not her favorite activity. “I’m not much of a talker. But I do realize that it is part of being a top athlete. And all in all it’s good for me too.”
She prefers to talk with friends or at home with her parents, who both have a judo background. During the week she trains at Papendal and goes to school, but every weekend she returns to Lierop. “Of course it is often about judo at home, but also about other things, such as school. In any case, my parents will always keep me with both feet on the ground.”
“Everyone starts from scratch again.”
At the kitchen table or on the phone with her parents and friends, the word ‘EK’ was mentioned several times. Sports enthusiasts in the Netherlands expect a lot from her in the class up to 63 kilograms. “I’m not really into stating goals. Everyone starts a tournament at zero again. Opponents will take me into account, but I also do the same with my competitors.”
“I am taking steps both technically and tactically. I am putting the finishing touches to the European Championship in the last days before the European Championships. I hope to show it in my matches soon.”
“There will be healthy tension, but I can handle that well.”
Joanne doesn’t feel much pressure. “I’m quite relaxed about it. There will be some healthy tension just before the tournament, but I can deal with that well.”