In 2020, a year that has been complicated for the world of karate, with the suspension of the majority of the international competitions, Damián Quintero overcame the circumstances and closed the year as number one in the World Circuit and of the Olympic and World rankings. The Olympic Games of Tokyo are still his big objective, even more now that it seems that they are going to be the first and last ones for his sport and, with the Olympic Games in his focus, he obtained the gold medal in the first day of the National League. In a tough year because of the pandemic and of the exclusion of karate from the Olympic Games of Paris 2024, Damián Quintero’s beginning has been exceptional.

 

How does it feel to start the year as number 1 in the world ranking?

I am extremely happy. At the end of 2019, I already reached the first position and the fact of maintaining it is great. It is true that there were only three trials at a global level in 2020 because of the pandemic but, in the end, everything is the result of effort and good work. If everything goes well, this year will be exciting and thrilling.

In the first official competition of 2021, the National League, you won the gold medal. How do you feel?

We have started the year well, at a good level and I am in good shape. It is true that what interests me the most is to participate in an international tournament to check my level with regard to the Olympic Games and compete with my future rivals in Tokyo. This month, we will travel to Lisbon and we will go there to receive a feedback with regard to these competitors. Even so, the National League has been a great occasion to try the katas and certain techniques in view of developing this year’s strategy.

What are your feelings with regard to the situation of the Olympic Games?

What is of primary importance is that pandemic ends. People’s health is the most important thing and we must focus on this. My work is to train and compete. Now, I am positive and I only think that the Olympic Games are going to be held.

Do you aim at winning the gold medal in Tokyo?

Of course I do. The Olympic Games are the tournament par excellence and I go for the Gold. We have already been working for four or five years with that in mind. Even so, an Olympic medal is an honour and winning any medal would be fine, although I am obviously thinking about trying to reach the finale and fight to be a champion.

¿Do you feel that UCAM is supporting you?

UCAM has always been there, in good times and in bad times, giving us unconditional support. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had various videoconferences both with the president, José Luis Mendoza, and with the Director-General of Sports, Pablo Rosique. I am proud of being a part of this university and I am very grateful for everything they have done for us. We can be calm in our path, devote ourselves to training and celebrating the victories that we achieve together.