More than 8000 fans cheered on Judo athlete Aoife Coughlan as she stepped onto the mat at Champ de Mars in Paris. But one very special supporter was in the stands: her 92-year-old Irish grandmother.
“She made the trip here, and all the characters were here to support me. I couldn't be happier,” Aoife said of her paternal grandma Pam.
“Nana would have been in Tokyo too, if not for COVID.”
Aoife’s devoted Dublin-based grandmother not only supports her at competitions but also brings a unique sense of humour and pride to the sport as the official ‘Granny for the Judo Team’.
“I am the official ‘Granny of the Aussie Team’,” the lady who refuses to be called anything but ‘Nana’ proudly declared.
“At least the judo team. I’ll take it; I love the Team.
“We’re all very proud of Aoife.”
Despite being far from home, Aoife feels her family's support strongly.
“It's incredible that they were able to come across (from Ireland),” she said.
“I'm really thankful for their support. Even when they are on the other side of the world, I always feel like they're supporting me 100 per cent and that goes for every single one of my family members overseas.”
An added surprise greeted Aoife as she headed onto the mat during her second Olympic Games. Her family showcased new merchandise featuring Aoife in action.
"I made an off-handed comment about how a t-shirt with my face on it would be cool," laughed Aoife.
“I said it sarcastically, but Granny took it seriously,”
“Now there's a t-shirt with my face everywhere, and everyone bought one to support me. I can't thank her enough.”
There is no surprise that Nana gushed with pride about her granddaughter’s achievements.
“We all decided we would wear Aoife on our chest,” she said. “I wear it because I’m very proud of Aoife. I love her very much.”
Aoife competed in the Judo competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and made it to Judo’s round of 16 in the women’s -70kg division.
Sarah Dyce
