Two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Daria Bilodid has resumed full training after a long break. This was stated in an exclusive comment to Sport RBC.UA by the President of the Judo Federation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Koshliak. According to him, the federation expects the athlete to return to competitive action within the new Olympic cycle and once again strengthen the national team.
Statement by the Federation President
Koshliak did not name a specific tournament where Bilodid might appear in the near future, but emphasized that the break in training is over and the athlete has joined the full training process. "I understand that Daria Bilodid is our star. A judoka who gave Ukraine its best result in judo. She is an Olympic medalist and a two-time world champion. Now Daria has returned to full training, and we hope that very soon she will join the team," he noted.
Break after the 2024 Games
As a reminder, Bilodid took a break from competing after the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In the under-57 kg weight category, she exited the tournament in the Round of 16. After that, the athlete did not participate in major competitions, focusing on recovery and preparation for a new stage in her career.
Targeting the New Year and New Cycle
According to Koshliak, Bilodid's return to competition will most likely take place from the New Year, i.e., in 2027. Thus, the federation is focusing on the world champion fitting into the preparations for the new Olympic cycle, which will conclude with the 2028 Games. The exact schedule of her performances at this stage is not disclosed.
Significance of the Return for the National Team
The return of one of Ukraine's most titled judokas to the full training process is viewed by the federation as an important signal for the entire team. Bilodid remains a key figure in Ukrainian judo, and her participation in the new cycle can raise the bar for preparation and internal competition in the national team, as well as serve as a pillar for younger female athletes.
