Judo is an ancient martial art that has been practiced for centuries. It is also an Olympic sport, and the world’s best judo athletes compete for gold at the Olympic Games. Here, we take a look at the greatest judo athletes who have won medals at the Olympics, from past to present. Learn about their inspiring successes and their remarkable achievements in the world of judo.
Tadahiro Nomura (Japan) – 3-time Olympic Champion
Tadahiro Nomura is one of the greatest judo athletes of all time. He is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, making him the only judoka to ever win three Olympic championships. He has also won a record seven world championships, and five All-Japan championships. Nomura’s success has made him a legend in the judo world, and he is often referred to as the “God of Judo”. Nomura is known for his incredible skill and technique, as well as his determination and hard work. Nomura is an inspiration to all judoka, and his accomplishments will live on for generations.
Kayla Harrison (USA) – 2-time Olympic Champion
Kayla Harrison is a two-time Olympic champion and one of the best judo athletes in the world. She has been competing since she was just 13 years old, and has been dominating the sport ever since. She won her first Olympic gold medal in London 2012, and then went on to defend her title in Rio de Janeiro 2016. After winning the gold again, she became the first American to ever win two judo gold medals. She has also won gold at the World Championships twice, as well as gold at the Pan American Games twice. Kayla is a fierce competitor who has worked hard to get where she is today and is an inspiration to aspiring judokas everywhere. With her two Olympic golds, she is proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Masato Uchishiba (Japan) – 2-time Olympic Champion
Masato Uchishiba is a legend in the world of Olympic Judo. He’s a two-time Olympic champion and has dominated the sport with his incredible skill and technique. Uchishiba won gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, both in the under 66 kg weight class. He’s also a five-time world champion, and was the first judoka to win back-to-back world championships in the same weight class. He’s widely considered to be one of the greatest judokas of all time, and his incredible success in the sport has made him an inspiration to athletes all over the world. Uchishiba’s dedication to the sport of judo has made him one of the most successful and respected athletes in Olympic Judo history.
Ronda Rousey (USA) – 1-time Olympic Bronze Medalist
Ronda Rousey is an American judo athlete and 1-time Olympic bronze medalist. She started training in judo when she was 11 years old and achieved multiple national and international successes such as winning the World Junior Judo Championship in 2004 and a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. In 2008 she became the first American woman to be awarded an Olympic medal in judo when she won the bronze at the Beijing Olympics. She is renowned for her aggressive style of judo and is considered one of the top judo athletes in the world. Rousey has become an inspirational figure for young judo athletes, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Ilias Iliadis (Greece) – 1-time Olympic Champion
Ilias Iliadis is a Greek judo athlete who is a one-time Olympic Champion, having won gold in the men’s -90 kg category at the 2004 Athens Games. He has also won two World Championships, four European Championships, and achieved victory in several other international competitions. Iliadis is considered one of the most decorated Judoka of all time and is a prime example of why Greece is one of the top contenders in the sport. His incredible dedication and determination to succeed has made him a role model for young judokas around the world and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Olympians.