Mohamad AKKASH

As a child, Mohamad was very restless and always needed to move. His cousin, who was into judo, suggested he try it. He fell in love with the sport because of its technique, tactics and values. He likes to say that judo changed, and even saved, his life.

While he was living with his family in Damascus, having just graduated from high school, the war was raging. He had no choice but to leave. During the long and difficult journey to Europe, he never stopped practising his sport, which kept him on course. Once he arrived in Germany, where he applied for asylum, he joined a club that welcomed him like a family member, offering him a judogi. From the very first fight, he impressed. His coach then helped him find a flat and gave him access to a performance training centre, on the condition that he helped train the children. Since then, Mohamad has found a balance in his life, dividing his time between his sport and his work in a refugee centre. He helps, translates for and supports refugees who arrived, like him, a few years ago.