Luisaigna CAMPOS: "I thank God for the opportunity to hear the anthem of my country at the World SAMBO Championships"

Venezuelan athlete Luisaigna Campos won the gold medal in the 50 kg weight category in Combat SAMBO at the World Championships held in Astana (Kazakhstan). She told the FIAS website about her emotions from the fights, impressions from the organization of the tournament and plans for the future immediately after the final fight.

You became the first-ever world champion in Combat SAMBO among women in the 50 kg weight category. What does this mean to you?

– For me, this gold medal means a lot. I spent a lot of time and effort to become world champion. Today's achievement is the result of many years of work, not one day. I won thanks to God, and now I feel great!

At the same time, you managed to win the final ahead of schedule in the first minute. What is the secret?

– I think it’s all about the mood, I was mentally preparing myself for a positive final for me, and it helped me. I probably knew from the start that it was at the World Championships, this year, that I would be able to win a gold medal.

You had three fights at the tournament. Which of your opponents was the most difficult for you?

– Perhaps, the athlete from Mexico.

Why?

– Because the fight dragged on. I had already met her at competitions, and I knew that the fight would not be easy. And so it turned out.

You also became the first-ever world champion in Combat SAMBO from Venezuela. Do you think this will somehow affect the development of SAMBO in your country? And how will this affect you personally?

– This medal will greatly affect my development, and I hope, the development of SAMBO in our country. For me, it will become an additional motivation for new victories. Moreover, this achievement gives me strength, because today I have not only become a world champion, but also qualified for the World Games in China in 2025.

Now they will go out on the mat against you as if you were a world champion. Each time you will have to defend your title, essentially proving your professional worth. How do you feel about this?

– You are right, the most difficult thing will be defending the title. The main thing for me is that my family does not doubt me, that I feel their support. But I am sure that everything will be fine, and my victory today will motivate me to new achievements.

At the World Championships, during the awards ceremony, the entire hall will hear the anthem of Venezuela. What does this mean to you?

– For me, this is a great honor. And for the opportunity to hear the anthem of my country on the podium, I thank God most of all. Today I will be incredibly happy, and this will be a moment that I will never forget.

How would you rate the level of organization of the competition, did you like everything?

– Yes, everything is great. All the World SAMBO Championships are distinguished by their high level of organization, but Kazakhstan has a special place in my heart, since here I became the world champion.