Oleg Cretul’s athletic journey began on a different field, that of football. He started at seven but his trajectory changed when, at ten years old, his neighborhood friends convinced him to try judo and he was instantly captivated. “From the moment I stepped on the mat, I was hooked,” Oleg recalls. Cretul’s competitive spirit was ignited at age 11, when he began entering local judo tournaments. This was just the beginning of what would become a decorated career. His early exposure to competition set the stage for a journey defined by resilience, triumph and an unwavering commitment to his sport.

Oleg Cretul (second from the left)

One of the most memorable moments of Oleg’s career came at the 1996 senior European championships when he was just 21 years old, finishing not only with a silver medal but also qualification for the 1996 Olympic Games. “Nobody really expected that I would make it all the way to the final,” Oleg shares. Little did he know then that in less than a year, his life would be turned upside down.

Tragedy and Rebirth

Cretul’s life took a tragic turn in 1997 when, just nine days after his wedding, he was involved in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of his wife and her brother. Oleg was left in critical condition and, after 30 days in intensive care, completely lost his sight. The accident not only robbed him of his vision but also shattered his dreams and plunged him into a deep depression. The once vibrant judoka was now grappling with a darkness that went beyond physical blindness.

Oleg Cretul (second from the left) – Childhood memory

However, through the support of friends, particularly his coach Vitaly Gligor, who played a pivotal role in Cretul’s rehabilitation, he found his way back to the mat. Slowly, he began to train again, learning to navigate the challenges of living and competing as a blind athlete. His return to judo was not just about reclaiming his athletic prowess but also about rediscovering a purpose in life. He won his first VI European championship in 2001, followed by the world championship in 2002. Competing as a blind athlete was a revelation and his victory at the Europeans was particularly emotional. “This victory made me understand that I could be a leader in my weight category and have the chance to earn a medal at the Paralympic Games,” Oleg reflects.

Maintaining Excellence: A Discipline Like No Other

For over two decades, Oleg Cretul has remained at the pinnacle of judo. His secret? Remorseless discipline and a rigorous training regimen. “Throughout my life, I have considered the training process as a job. I train every day; I don’t drink or smoke. Training is my drug of choice,” he says. Even as age has made training more challenging, Oleg continues to push his limits, adjusting his tactics and strategy with the help of his coach, Vitaly, who adds, “Beyond competition, Oleg’s commitment to judo runs deep. He sees it not just as a sport but also as a lifeline, having played a pivotal role in his own journey. It is a debt he feels compelled to repay by sharing judo’s transformative power with others. His vision is to ensure that judo becomes accessible to as many individuals as possible.” Cretul also finds motivation in his younger training partner, Ion Basoc, IBSA European champion, who constantly keeps him on his toes.

On the way to Paris 2024

Paris 2024: A Final Chapter

The Paris 2024 Paralympics represent a significant milestone for Oleg, not only because he is heading to his 5th Paralympic Games but more so due to the introduction of the new divisions, J1 and J2, which separate fully blind athletes from those with partial vision. “We have been fighting to see this happen for almost 20 years,” he says.

When asked about Paris 2024, Oleg’s mind goes to the vibrant atmosphere of the French capital, a city he remembers fondly, visiting before his accident. “The French are trule connoisseurs of judo and they know high quality judo when they see it,” he remarks, eagerly anticipating his return to the city. For Oleg, winning gold in Paris would be the perfect conclusion to a storied career, “I always wanted to finish my professional career on a peak.”

Oleg Cretul’s story is not just about judo, it is about resilience, community and the power of sport to transform lives. From his early days on the football field to becoming a Paralympic champion, Cretul’s journey is one of a relentless pursuit of excellence despite overwhelming odds. His legacy is already cemented, not only in his impressive collection of titles but also in the lives he continues to touch through his foundation and advocacy. For Cretul, judo is more than a sport, it is life itself, a philosophy that has guided him through the darkest of times and enabled him to shine as one of the most inspiring figures in Paralympic sports.