From Olympic Announcer to Para-Judo Competitor: Nacer Zorgani’s Inspiring Journey
Nacer Zorgani, renowned as the voice of Olympic boxing during the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games, embarks on a new chapter in his life as a dedicated Para-judo competitor, determined to achieve the same level of professional acclaim in this discipline.
During the Olympic preliminary matches held last July and August at the Paris Nord arena, and at Roland Garros, Zorgani’s captivating baritone resonated, announcing each bout with eloquence and precision. His iconic introduction, “Ladies and gentlemen, in the red corner, representing…”, echoed through the halls, moving the crowds, who remained largely unaware of his severe visual impairment that rendered him unable to see their expressions.
With resolute determination, and the unwavering support of his guide, Laureline Jeunemaitre, Zorgani became a prominent figure amidst the vibrant Parisian atmosphere, captivating audiences of up to 20,000 attendees per event. His role as an announcer not only showcased his talent but also exemplified the spirit of inclusion championed by the Paralympic movement. At the age of 38, he prepares to leave his personal mark on the upcoming Paralympic Games, commencing on 28 August, with his competition scheduled for 7 September in the men’s 90 kg category, J2 classification for visually impaired athletes.
For Zorgani, sports transcend mere competition; they embody the philosophy of the “Way of the Bushi”, a traditional martial arts ethos that has profoundly influenced his life journey. Prior to dedicating himself to judo, he explored various martial arts, including boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, stating, “They are all the same to me; different ways of following the path of the bushi, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and unwavering focus, whether in the ring, on the tatami, or in life.”
Zorgani’s journey faced significant obstacles following his diagnosis of progressive retinal deterioration at age 17, which left him legally blind. Three years later, although he could only discern vague shapes in bright lighting, he resolved to push forward, ultimately embracing his dual identity as a baritone and para-athlete. Reflecting on his experiences, Zorgani noted, “I encountered immensely dark moments where I felt overwhelmed by my disability, yet martial arts served as a vital source of strength and support.”
Zorgani’s experience as a boxing announcer further informed his judo training, as he described the stimulating environment of the ring—”the crowds, the lights, the noise, the ceremonies”—which provided essential mental conditioning. He announced a total of 235 fights in both French and English while overseeing 13 Olympic medal ceremonies in an unforgettable setting.
In judo, the tactile aspect of the sport proves advantageous for athletes with visual impairments. Upon engaging with his opponents, Zorgani adeptly utilizes his sense of touch to gauge their movements, balance, and intentions. “Judo is about feeling your opponent’s energy, center of gravity, and intentions. My visual impairment has deepened my reliance on instinct and training,” he remarked, having been born in Algiers on 30 September 1985.
Throughout the Olympic period, Zorgani maintained his judo training, balancing professional responsibilities with rigorous bi-daily sessions. As he makes his Paralympic debut, he also serves in the role of Senior Project Manager for Volunteers Engagement, Training & Communication at Paris 2024.
He will represent Team France, his adopted nation rather than his native Algeria, as one of the 121 first-time French para-athletes. After fulfilling his professional commitments, Zorgani articulated his mindset on LinkedIn, expressing, “Am I scared? Yes… Am I under pressure? Yes… but the question remains: Am I ready? YES! 130 steps separate the warm-up area from the tatami… 3 fights, 3 times 130 steps, and 10 more from the tatami to the podium, amounting to a total of 400 steps to conclude this chapter with glory! I maintain that ‘gold or nothing’, yet I feel I have already triumphed.
In a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, he expressed gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his journey: “Why? Because of you, my successes are shared, my achievements are shared, everything I have accomplished has been to make you proud and to foster a sense of pride within you. I dedicate this message particularly to those who believed in my abilities, accepted my failures, treated my circumstances with empathy, and demonstrated tremendous kindness.”
In conclusion, Nacer Zorgani’s inspiring transition from the voice of Olympic boxing to a competitive para-judo athlete exemplifies the principles of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation, illuminating the path for others in the pursuit of their dreams, irrespective of the challenges they may face.
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