The 2024 Paris Olympics gave judo the spotlight it deserves, dazzling audiences with heart-stopping matches, top-tier athleticism, and moments that had us all glued to our seats. As one of the standout events of the Games, judo delivered more than just medals—it brought emotion, grit, and unforgettable moments that will be talked about for years.
A Perfect Stage for Judo
There was no better place than Paris to showcase judo’s global appeal. The city’s love for martial arts was palpable, and for seven intense days, the world’s top judokas showed why judo remains one of the most fascinating sports—with seven weight classes for both men and women, each day brought thrilling matchups that tested skill, strategy, and heart. The excitement peaked during the mixed team event—a new favorite among fans since its introduction in 2020.
Match Highlights: Triumphs, Shocks, and History
Judo at the Paris Olympics wasn't short on drama, with some matches delivering performances that will go down in history. Japan’s Hifumi Abe, already a household name in the judo world, defended his title in the men’s 66 kg category in a final that could have easily been a movie script. The match had everything—technique, tension, and a storybook ending. Abe’s win wasn’t just a victory; it cemented his legacy as one of the sport's greats and continued Japan’s long-standing dominance in judo.
The women’s 52 kg division saw one of the most exciting moments of the Games when France’s Shirine Boukli secured her country’s first Olympic judo medal. The arena erupted with cheers, and Boukli’s win wasn’t just about individual triumph—it set the tone for an incredible run for the French team throughout the competition. Her victory was more than a medal. It represented a moment of pure national pride gave the Paris crowd something to roar about.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Judo is a sport where anything can happen, and Paris 2024 had its fair share of upsets. Several higher-seeded athletes fell to underdogs, showing once again that in judo, as in life, nothing is guaranteed.
Medal Count: Japan Leads, But It’s a Global Game
When it comes to judo, Japan’s dominance is expected—but Paris showed that the rest of the world is catching up fast. Japan led the medal count, reminding everyone why the country is synonymous with judo excellence. Still, other nations like France, Brazil, and Georgia gave them a run for their money, with impressive performances that broadened the sport’s global appeal.
France, in particular, had a standout Games, boosted by the home crowd’s energy. From individual matches to the thrilling team event, the French athletes gave their all, demonstrating that the future of judo is wide open. Brazil and Georgia also left their mark, proving that judo has grown beyond its roots and now thrives on the world stage.
The Electric Atmosphere
If you think judo matches are intense, imagine watching them live with a crowd that hangs on every throw, pin, and submission. The Paris judo arena was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. French fans brought their passion for combat sports, creating a buzz that could be felt through every round. It wasn’t just the athletes feeling the pressure—the atmosphere in the arena made every victory sweeter and every loss sting a little more.
The Future of Judo at the Olympics
With Paris 2024 in the books, judo’s place in the Olympics seems stronger than ever. The mixed team event, which debuted in Tokyo, was once again a fan favorite. It brought new excitement to the sport, blending individual brilliance with team strategy. And with efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible, judo is on the rise—attracting new fans and participants from all over the globe.
Beyond the medals and matches, what stood out was the diversity in participants and the genuine sense of camaraderie across nations. Judo’s spirit of respect, discipline, and mutual welfare was on full display, reminding us that this is a sport about more than just winning.
A Legacy to Remember
Paris 2024 will go down as a defining moment for judo. From Hifumi Abe’s heroics to Shirine Boukli’s emotional win, the Games celebrated not just athletic skill but also the spirit of perseverance that judo embodies. As the Olympic torch moves on to its next destination, the legacy of these Games will continue to inspire judokas across the globe to reach for their dreams.
The future looks bright for judo, and after the show Paris put on, we can’t wait to see what the next generation of athletes will bring to the mat.
