A Dantean and surreal situation experienced by karateka Babacar Seck. His name is one of the most popular in Aragonese sport in recent times. The athlete of Senegalese origin managed to get himself into the rankings just a few weeks ago andWorld Karate Federation came first in the +84 kilo kumite categoryBut Babacar’s reality is very different from the world number one that everyone can imagine. So much so that the native of Zaragoza He is thinking of being the best at what he does and retiring at the age of 25.

“We tried many ways, I say it as much as I can, but no one helps me. I don’t think the work I do is valuable or something I have achieved.”Babacar Seck says visibly angry. “Being number one and not getting any help is a very difficult thing for me to understand.R.“The karateka, who cannot access ADO scholarships because his discipline is not considered Olympic, adds: “But there are more scholarships that I can access and they are not reaching me. “I live in Zaragoza and I don’t buy anything from here,” emphasizes Babacar.

His situation is so extreme that the karateka is forced to chain himself to work that has nothing to do with the discipline for which he is now a worldwide reference. “I now work as a security guard and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises. I love photography and can earn extra money from time to time,” he explains.

“I feel like the World Cup is my last shot, I don’t know what will happen next”

Unable to dedicate himself to karate professionally, the comparative disadvantage he experiences against his other competitors is obvious, and this does not prevent him from frequently surpassing them due to his dedication and determination. “I struggle with people who have no other concerns in life other than training. They take them into consideration athletes elite and has all kinds of help. I need to combine my training programs with my study programs. This is a very difficult thing for me, but it is what needs to be done. I would like to have this peace of mind and be able to prepare more thoroughly for fights,” says Babacar Seck.

Say goodbye?

The player from Zaragoza is preparing for the World Championship, which is his only dream in the karate world and where he will compete at the end of October, within the time his obligations allow. “I’m already number one and what I’m missing is being a champion. I can’t prepare 100% but I make a lot of sacrifices. “I’m going to give it my all because I feel like this might be my last shot to achieve this because if things don’t change and everything continues the same, I’m thinking of retiring.”He confirms that between resignation and hope, a kind of salvation emerges that allows him to continue doing what he loves most: “I want to continue, but I find it harder and harder every day.”

Babacar Seck came to Zaragoza in his childhood and settled in the Oliver neighborhood of the Aragonese capital. At first he was more interested in football, but at the age of 12-13, with his father’s encouragement, he started practicing karate and was instantly hooked. ““One of the things I liked most was the opportunity to express myself without the need for words.”Babacar, who has proven many things to himself and others on tatami, admits: “By winning fights I realized what I could do. It doesn’t matter where you come from“If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want.”

An expression taken literally. “Being number one is an achievement for me, not for others. I am happy with my job, but I have no reward,” he concludes. Babacar Seck, who dreams of helping his family karate and despite his impressive resume, he struggles to support himself.