Olympic champion in Athens in 2004 and three times world champion, the Greek Judo legend Ilias Iliadis announced his retirement from Judo on live TV in August of 2016.

He was a champion in Athens in 2004, bronze in London 2012 and three – time world Judo champion.

 These are the last Olympics of my life. The last competition of my life. I’m retiring. End. This is the time to stop. Everything in life has its time. I’m not happy but it’s over. I said before: winning or losing, just here. I’ve done my history in judo.

Emotional Judo Legend Ilias Iliadis Announces Retirement On Live TV

But looks like the passion is strong in him and he couldn’t stay away too long from the competitive scene. Iliadis told combat-sports.net:

 Why do you make this comeback ?

I want to show to the young generation that nothing is impossible. I want to tell to every Judoka : « never give up ». We are talking about Judo ! I want to show that everyone has a chance to win, no matter you weigh 90 kg or 150 kg. That’s why Judo is a very different sport.

When did you take your decision ?

At the World championships, in Budapest, at the end of August, I was watching the heavyweight category. And I thought : « man, this is for me ! This kind of competition, an Open weight one, is for me. Let’s do it ! ». It’s different. It’s interesting !

Do you remember your last participation to an Open weight World championship ?

I fought in Russia in 2011. I lost against the Brazilian Hernandes, who weighs 140 kg. It a was nice experience ! For me, it’s interesting to fight a different way. It has nothing to do with mine (U90 kg). But the most important is to show to the new generation that we shouldn’t scare anything in our life.

An Openweight competition is a meeting ground of champions from different weight categories and this can create a host of dream matches.

Teddy Riner will be relentless in his bid to become a 10–time world champion while Iliadis is coming out of a one-year retirement just to compete in Marrakech.

There is no seeding at the Openweight Worlds which means that such a fanciful contest could take place in the opening round.

Best of Olympic Champ Ilias Iliadis Strength Training For Judo