Will the third time be a charm for judoka Keith Morgan?

In Athens, Keith Morgan will probably participate in his last Olympic Games, just like his team mates Nicolas Gill and Carolyne Lepage. The Calgary judoka hopes to end his Olympic career by winning a first medal. The Olympic Games are special and since those will probably be my last… Wait, it is my last presence at the Games, said Morgan, who now lives in Montreal. Just by knowing that, I want to give it all I have, since I won’t be back.

Morgan finished fifth at the 2003 World Championships and at the 2000 Olympic Games, in Sydney. Did those two results bring him extra motivation or a bitter taste in his mouth?

« Honestly, I’ve had this sensation for the past eight years. I came close to a podium so many times that I think I won all those medals, except for the Olympic Games and the World Championships. So I can say that I have the intention to seal the deal this time around, » he said.

Unavoidable comparisons
One the most decorated judokas in Canadian history, Morgan has often drawn comparisons to his good friend Nicolas Gill, who is considered the best ever and is fighting in the category just above him.

« I’m used to it now. Nicolas is an exceptional athlete and he proved it for a number of years. All of this had a positive effect on me. This motivates me to surpass myself and traveling with Nicolas allows us to train together. So when he won medals, like at the Olympic Games, I know I did contribute in his preparation. However, I would like to have a medal around my neck too. But I have to say that Nicolas is in a much easier category than mine… don’t tell him that, it’s a joke. »

Regarding this, Morgan is not entirely wrong, given the swift competition he has to face in the 90 kg category. It is one of the most difficult categories year and year. Despite his fifth place, Morgan is still considered as an underdog, according to experts.

« That depends on who writes the articles. Those who follow judo closely know that there are 10 guys who can win it all. I’ve been in the top-5 long enough to know I don’t have to prove anything to others, but only to myself. The drawing will be very important at the Games, since there a lot of fighters who can win the gold medal, » Morgan explained.

Precious memories
At the 1996 Games in Atlanta, Keith Morgan was able to live this experience along with his twin brother Colin. Keith was able to quality in the 95 kg category, while Colin did the same in the 78 kg category.

« Back then, Nicolas (Gill) was well established in the 86 kg category. He was miles ahead of everybody so we thought of changing categories to increase our chances. This is what we did and it paid off, » Morgan noted.

The Atlanta Games did leave some moments that Morgan, who has been training at the Montreal Shidokan Club for over 10 years, would rather forget.

« I had a lot of problems before the Games, so I wasn’t in a good state of mind. And Atlanta is… Atlanta: nothing impressive or exotic. We had the impression of being in our own backyard up there. On the other hand, I’m keeping exceptional memories from Sydney, except for my loss in the bronze medal fight. All I wish is that I have even greater memories after Athens, » concludes Morgan, who will compete at the Olympic Games on August 18th.