José Quiles is already a name tied closely to Paris as he navigates the demanding path toward the Olympic stage. His focus remains clear: he seeks redemption after a difficult first Olympic experience, and the resolve to perform with maximum intensity has never been stronger. The Eldense boxer secured his Olympic passport on June 28 by reaching the semi-finals of the European Games, a breakthrough achieved after defeating Georgian contender Artyush Gomstan. Shortly after, he advanced through the semi-finals and finished as runner-up in the final, collecting a silver medal that provided more than a podium finish. It offered him distance from previous disappointments and, crucially, a concrete year to meticulously plan for Paris 2024. This momentum became the fuel for a determined countdown.
Quiles has spoken openly about the summers that were not fully enjoyed in the past, underscoring the weight of expectations and the toll of rigorous training. The recent stretch felt different from the outset. May and June brought their own pressures with the cycles of the World Championships and the European Games, alongside the demanding weight discipline required to move from 60 kilograms to a sub-57 kilogram category. The pressure to be in peak shape for Paris 2024 formed a volatile mix, yet the Alicante athlete managed to channel these tensions into a constructive phase. As he described in an interview, the summer of 2023 proved to be one of the best periods in a long time, a testament to persistence, support, and focused preparation. This perspective reflects a broader view that triumphs in sport are built more often in quiet, steady work than in sudden bursts of brilliance.
Looking ahead to November, Quiles anticipated another international challenge in Slovenia, with December in view for a potential Dubai appearance if his performance in the next two events supports qualification. He currently sits fifth in the minus 60 kilogram class, a position that keeps the door open for a world-stage decision. The Dubai event would bring together the top four fighters in each weight category, offering a high-stakes arena to demonstrate consistency and technical evolution. The qualification path remains uncertain, but the focus remains on earning every opportunity to test himself against the world’s elite.
As 2024 approaches, Quiles is mindful of the road map ahead while acknowledging the need for strategic planning. He expects the World Championships to return in May, a couple of months before the Olympic Games, and confirms that his competition weight will be pursued in the minus 60 kilogram category for most events. He notes that cutting weight can be a demanding process, sometimes making him more vulnerable, which is why he intends to address the weight target only after the World Championships conclude, just ahead of the Paris events. This measured approach reflects a balance between safeguarding his health and maintaining competitive form in the lead-up to his Olympic appearance.
Throughout his career, Quiles has consistently expressed a desire for sporting redemption following the 2021 Games setback. He recalls Tokyo with a blend of frustration and resolve, explaining that an injury and a grueling schedule left him exhausted and underprepared. A recent bicep injury required surgery, compounding the challenge two months before the Tokyo event. The narrative he shares now centers on the belief that Paris can be a stage for a full, unencumbered performance. He remains confident in his ability to qualify for any outcome if he can reach his peak state in time. The message is clear: the quest for victory is not just about one competition, but about sustaining momentum through a sustained, disciplined program that supports both body and mind. This is the ethos Quiles carries into Paris, with a long arc of preparation aimed at maximizing every opportunity to excel. Attribution: FER Project.