This captivating and inspiring story began when Octavian was just ten years old. Even years later, he remembers the first time he saw a gymnasium and stepped onto the tatami. Although the surroundings weren’t the most comfortable – the gym where he trained seemed so modest and cold – it was there that a dream was born that would eventually become the meaning of his life. Judo became more than just a sport for him. It became his wings and a guiding star, leading him to a better life. “Every throw and every fall taught me patience and the ability to get back up, no matter what,” the athlete recalls.
In the country where he was born and raised, the young man faced what many young athletes from smaller countries face – a lack of conditions and opportunities. However, it was precisely these difficulties that forged his will and instilled in him a steely character. He continued training, competing in local tournaments, achieving victories, and advancing step by step. From an early age, Octavian came to the conclusion that judo requires, first and foremost, internal discipline, and these thoughts laid the foundation for him.
Then new challenges came into his life, which he saw as new opportunities. He moved to the UK. He found himself in a completely unfamiliar country with no connections and barely any knowledge of the language. He had to start his life from scratch. But there, on a new continent, he once again proved that strength of spirit is more important than any difficult circumstances. Joining the Erdington Judo Club became like finding a new family. His willingness to embrace change quickly earned him recognition among local British athletes. Over time, he became a coach himself, passing on his knowledge to young athletes.
On the international stage, the name Octavian Patrascu is known for his outstanding achievements. He has represented Moldova and Great Britain at major world tournaments, winning numerous awards. Among his achievements, notable are the 2024 Commonwealth Veterans Championships in Malta, where he won two gold and silver medals, a silver medal at the 2023 World Veterans Championships in Abu Dhabi, silver at the 2021 World Championships in Lisbon, and bronze at the 2019 Marrakesh Championships. These awards have become a symbol of his many years of work in the sporting arena and his unwavering belief in himself.
        In addition to world championships, Patrascu demonstrated his strength in other international competitions. He won medals at European tournaments in Zagreb, Lille, Slovenia, and Sarajevo, representing both Moldova and Great Britain. “I realised that each competition offered me a unique lesson. I faced opponents from dozens of countries, and this helped me learn new styles and strategies; I seemed to better sense and understand the people on the other side of the arena”, says Octavian.
The main feature of the history of sports success Octavian’s uniqueness lies in the fact that he doesn’t divide his life into different spheres, but lives it as a single, interconnected whole. Therefore, behind every medal is a story of struggle, not only in a duel but also in everyday circumstances. He constantly experiences a series of challenges. He didn’t always have people by his side to support him, and at times he wanted to give up, but he continued to live by the principles of judo, which dictate that if you fall, it’s not a reason to despair. It’s an opportunity to rise again until he succeeds.
        A little boy with a sparkle in his eyes proved that the road is mastered by the one who walks it. He went through fire and water to earn the recognition he deserved. Octavian’s path became a symbol of how faith and love for one’s work can turn any dream into reality. His achievements can serve as an inspiration to all who believe that great victories begin with one simple step.
