Photo of “Fighting Films” became real. Several days ago this company spread photo of Georgian Olympic team. We can use this photo as an official Olympic photo for our team.

Peter Seisenbacher, Austrian head coach of Georgian team, held press conference at Judo Academy. He named the staff for London. Rumors became reality. Betkil Shukvani (60kg), Lasha Shavdatuashvili (66kg), Nugzar Tatalashvili (73kg), Avtandil Chrikishvili (81kg), Varlam Liparteliani (90kg), Levan Zhorzholiani (100kg) and Adam Okruashvili (+100kg).

Everything was clear in 66, 73, 81 and 90kg. Shavdatuashvili, Tatalashvili, Chrikishvili and Liparteliani guaranteed wrestling at Olympics. Seisenbacher had to make choice among 2-2 candidates in last three weight classes.

“A good domestic competition was in 60kg. Amiran Papinashvili had better result but this time I decide that Betkil Shukvani has better chance to gain success at Olympics”, - stated Peter Seisenbacher. After that, he talked about 100kg. Journalists were especially interested in this weight class. Everyone thought that Olympic champion Irakli Tsirekidze would have been chosen. According to the rumors, Tsirekidze was left beyond the team. It happened so:

“Irakli Tsirekidze is a very good sportsman. He has proved it many times and I am sure he would have been one of the favorites at Olympics but… Levan Zhorzholiani will wrestle in London. I chose Tsirekidze. I wanted him to wrestle in London but it will not be so. Yesterday I tried my best to convince him. He told me that he was not ready psychologically. It is strange that physical and tactical readiness do not matter now. Tsirekidze has prepared well. It is a pity”, - added Seisenbacher.

Adam Okruashvili will wrestle in +100kg because Zviad Khanjaliashvili is injured. Besides Seisenbacher, managers of Georgian Judo Federation attended the press conference. It is interesting that Tamaz Naveriani, vice-president of the federation, did not agree with Seisenbacher about Tsirekidze. He thinks that Zhorzholiani is better because he is 258 points ahead of Tsirekidze in ranking. Besides that, Tsirekidze missed meetings of the preparation process.

We found reason of Tsirekidze very strange. We tried to contact Olympic champion but in vain. Georgian judo team will hold the last meeting in Borjomi. Seisenbacher did not know if Tsirekidze would participate in this meeting. As for chances of Georgian team in London, Austrian specialist stated the following:

“We have inexperienced sportsmen in the team. Experience means a lot at Olympics. In spite of it, we can fight for medals. The team held a good preparation period and the boys have progress”.
 

Otar Maglakelidze