Say goodbye?
A dramatic, almost Dantean moment surrounds karateka Babacar Seck. In recent years, his name has become one of the most recognizable in Aragonese sport. The Senegalese-born athlete surged into the rankings just weeks ago, finishing first in the +84 kilogram kumite category and drawing attention from fans across the region. Yet his day-to-day reality diverges sharply from the glamorous image of a world number one. The Zaragoza native faces a harsh truth: he is contemplating retirement by the age of 25 while still chasing mastery in his craft.
“We tried many avenues, I’m honest about it, but help never arrived”, Babacar Seck says, his frustration plain. “Being top and receiving no support is hard to understand.” He cannot access ADO scholarships because karate is not classified as an Olympic discipline, a limitation that stings for someone already carrying the weight of high expectations. “There are other scholarships out there, but they don’t reach me. I live in Zaragoza and I don’t benefit from local purchases or services here”, he adds, underscoring the financial strain that shadows his ascent.
So severe is his situation that Seck is forced to juggle disciplines outside the tatami, taking on work unrelated to karate just to keep things afloat. He now works as a security guard and seizes every chance to monetize his passions when possible. Photography, he notes, is a welcome outlet that occasionally brings in extra income, a small cushion against a system that rarely rewards effort with financial stability.
“I feel like the World Cup is my last shot, I don’t know what will happen next”
Professional focus on karate has become a tight balancing act. The gap between Seck and his better-funded rivals is evident, yet his persistence often closes the distance with sheer dedication. He explains the challenge: many competitors can devote full energy to training, while he must also study and work to support himself. “I deal with rivals who have no other responsibilities beyond training. They receive elite support and resources. I must combine training with schooling. It is demanding, but it is what must be done. I hope for the mental peace to train more effectively for each fight”, he remarks, showing a practical, stubborn resilience.
Say goodbye?
The Zaragoza athlete is focused on the World Championship, a pinnacle event that occupies his thoughts as it nears at the end of October. He approaches the tournament as a chance to prove his worth on the world stage while navigating the limits of his preparation time. “I am already number one in my mind. A championship title would be the next step. I can’t train at one hundred percent, yet I am making enormous sacrifices. I intend to push myself to the limit because this could be my last chance if circumstances don’t shift. I feel deep inside that I must give everything”, he reveals, admitting that a blend of resignation and hope sustains him as he pursues his passion.
Babacar Seck arrived in Zaragoza during his childhood and settled in the Oliver district. Initially drawn to football, he shifted to karate around ages 12 to 13 with his father’s encouragement. He recalls a key attraction: karate offered a way to express himself without words. On the mat, he discovered not only skill but a glimpse of what he could become. “Where you come from doesn’t define you. With hard work, you can achieve your goals”, he reflects, a sentiment he has lived out time and again as he rose through the ranks.
That belief rings true for Seck, who notes that becoming number one is a personal milestone rather than a public accolade. He is proud of his craft and his progress, yet the lack of reward remains a stark contrast to his commitment. He remains determined to support his family through karate, even as he faces ongoing financial hurdles that threaten to curb his ambitions and limit his ability to compete on the most prestigious stages.