A.: There was one gold medal for the Germans in Zagreb at this weekend, and this was won by Dimitri Peters (Dima). Dima, you reached the podium several times (in the past). But being at the top --- I checked it --- this is your second gold medal at an IJF Grand Prix. This is something special, isn't it?

D.: Yes, of course. This is my first gold medal this year. The two previous tournaments have been good already. And it is good if one can confirm ones shape with a gold medal today – I am happy.

A.: We are happy, too. In your first contest, you had a Georgian whom you have also contested in Tbilisi. There, you won - this time as well. I remember an action where you attacked him from outside (with an O-soto-gari) and he has almost... no, wanted to counter you. The Georgian are strong. I thought that it was impossible to counter you if you have started (your attack from this position).

D.: yeah... this was a tricky situation. I noticed it. I haven't pulled (enough) in (the action of) the O-soto-gari as I should. This is why he almost countered me. But luckily, there was no score for him and I could decide this contest to my advantage.

A.: Exactly. Then, you have won the following two contests by Ippon each. You were top. There were no-one who could stop you. Entering the final.... many have seen it coming that you both Germans would encounter – lately you met often. But this is obvious: you both are with respect to the world ranking list very close to each other, and therefore it happen often. Now you both know each other very well and by heart. Thus, there is actually no need to add anything. This is always difficult, isn't it?

D.: Yes, of course. We get along well beside the mat. And of course, the last time he won, this time I won. That is always a back and forth. Sure... on the one hand, I am glad that there is someone who makes pressure. This raises the level for us both. The one who is going to make it to the Olympic Games will have the best pre-conditions, or respectively, the best chances to win a medal. So I think it's good that we have each other as rivals. It sometimes happens that we encounter in the semifinal. Of course it would be nice if it would be in the final, but it's just like that.

(Both agree.)

A.: For you, it doesn't count too much whether you ever get into the ranking. You both are at the very top (of the world ranking list already). How important are the (ranking) points today?

D.: This is the first tournament which counts to 100% for the Olympic qualification. Obviously, I am glad for having earned 300 points that are booked on the (world ranking) list. I think that it will continue (like that).

A.: Are you going to compete next weekend? In Baku?

D.: No, my next tournament is going to be the Masters in Morocco. Both of us are going to attend it. We will do our best.

A.: There are a lot of (ranking) points (to collect). A note on your final... where you met the Dutchman Korrell. Would you have expected it to be that fast, or respectively, that simple – at least, it looked like it from the outside?

D.: No, I wouldn't have expected it. I have watched his fights and how he fought. He is a robust fighter... ummm... I thought that it would have been a tough contest running over the time. The more I was surprised when I could turn him on the ground and settle my armlock. Normally,.... I like to take it (that way).

A.: I think that it surprised us all who have seen the final.
(Coming to the closing of the interview)
This means the challenge now is to continue with collecting (ranking) points, and staying healthy is the most important. We have been very glad to hear the national anthem today. Congratulations, again.

D.: Yes, Thank you very much.

^{--- End of the Interview ---}