Latest news with #judo
NHK
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NHK
Retired judo star Wolf Aaron to become pro wrestler (vertical video)
Just weeks after retiring from judo, Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Wolf Aaron is pivoting to a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old says the move represents a dream come true.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Natalie Powell: Olympian who swapped judo for golf
As sporting transitions go, swapping judo for golf is not the most obvious change that springs to mind - and Natalie Powell acknowledges 34-year-old former world judo number one works as a pathway and high performance officer at Wales Golf, the national governing body of amateur golf in a contrast from her previous sporting life, but Merthyr-born Powell knows a thing or two about elite an Olympian, as well as a world and European medallist, she has been tasked with helping push through the next generation of Welsh golfers, though admits her own skill on the course is still a work in progress."I've never been a golfer, but I am closer to being a golfer now than I ever was," said Powell."I've been to the driving range a few times in the last few weeks and we actually had a wellbeing day with the Wales Golf team which was really nice, my first experience on a proper golf course. I can definitely see how people get the bug for it."Powell started with Wales Golf 10 months ago and said she is "really enjoying it". "It's such a great environment, the sport is great, the people are great and it's nice to do something different after doing judo for so many years," she added."It's definitely not something I would have predicted maybe a year, even 18 months ago. It is such a great second sport. "With judo I couldn't fight forever, my body wouldn't allow me to do that, whereas with golf it's not so taxing on the body and a lot more taxing on the mind which I think makes it a perfect transition from high intensity sport". Moving on from judo In 2017, Powell became the first female British judoka to be ranked number one in the world by winning a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi judo Grand sees this as her crowning achievement, in addition to winning Commonwealth gold at the Glasgow games in 2014, as well as world and European bronze while the passion for judo still burns brightly - she coaches youngsters at the Cardiff Judo Academy - Powell remembers the moment when she realised that her competitive career was coming to an was the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the "Covid games" which should have taken place a year prior, where Powell failed to achieve a podium place."I think the transition probably started after Tokyo. I put my heart and soul into Tokyo and it didn't pan out the way I'd hoped," said Powell."The year following Tokyo, I was very much one foot in, one foot out and I probably didn't want it as much as I previously had done. It had always been judo, judo, judo, that was it, that was life and I think after Tokyo, I had the kind of realisation that maybe it's time to step into something else."Having achieved a degree in biomedical science and a masters in advanced coaching Powell said her focus was shifting."I was starting to get experiences in terms of doing talks in schools and starting to broaden my horizons outside of the judo and then I was very fortunate with my coach Darren [Warner], he was always thinking about that too, so he was always thinking how he could help me and having the conversations early."I think by the time it came I was very much ready to make that step. For 26 years my life has very much been judo, and in the last 15 it's been intensely judo, so the transition was definitely scary but I was really lucky that I had such great support from my coach, my family and my friends."I coach Cardiff Judo Academy and run classes two or three nights a week so it's really good and really nice to still be connected with the judo community because that's given me so much". Helping the next generation Powell has joined Wales Golf at an exciting time. The female game in Wales will no doubt be boosted by the arrival of the world's best players in July, with the Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl member Darcey Harry qualifying for the tournament by winning the 2025 Belgian Ladies Open, Powell and her Wales Golf colleagues hope the 22-year-old is the first of many promising young Welsh talents coming through."It's incredible and Darcy winning [in Belgium] that's just the icing on the cake really. To see her perform in Porthcawl is going to be incredible for golf, Wales golf and everybody involved really," enthused Powell who says she has three different projects."We're trying to do a coaching programme at the moment to upskill the level of coaches in the country, which is really exciting. "Putting a pathway in place to give the kids the best chance of getting from club level right up to the elite Welsh national team."And then acting as a mentor with some of the former players and hopefully helping them with my experience and giving them someone to talk to and get advice from."I think it's just really nice to give back and not escape the sporting world because that's always been my passion".
NHK
5 days ago
- Sport
- NHK
Retired Olympic gold medal judoka Wolf Aaron to become pro wrestler
Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Wolf Aaron, who retired from the sport earlier this month, is embarking on a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old was born to an American father and a Japanese mother. A judoka with a remarkable combination of power and stamina, Wolf represented Japan in two Summer Games, in Tokyo and Paris. His greatest achievement was winning gold in the 100-kilogram division at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. He retired from judo following his last match on June 8. Wolf on Monday announced that he will take up professional wrestling and has signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or NJPW. Wolf told reporters that he had recorded and watched pro wrestling matches since his days at university, and dreamed of taking up the sport after accomplishing all he could in judo. He said he was able to achieve his ultimate goal of winning gold at the Tokyo Games, and took part in the 2024 Paris Games thinking it would be his last Olympics. He added there is nothing left for him to do in judo, and he will make the switch to the world of professional wrestling, which he adores. He also said he has to swallow his pride as an Olympic gold medalist in judo. He said he will be starting from scratch in pro wrestling, and he will do his utmost without wasting a single second. Wolf will make his debut as a professional wrestler next January.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Georgia make history with first Mixed Team World title on emotional final day in Budapest
The Mixed Team competition is about more than medals - it's about team spirit, unity, and the values at the heart of judo. Expect big throws, big emotions, and unforgettable moments as athletes fight not for themselves, but for each other. In the semi-final, Japan led early against strong contenders Georgia in an intense contest. But big throws from the imposing heavyweight Guram TUSHISHVILI and freshly crowned World Champion Eteri LIPARTELIANI flipped the script. Having built momentum Georgia powered through with another ippon from Mikheili BAKHBAKHASHVILI. Utana TERADA tried to even the score for team Japan. But in a repeat of the Olympic final, Lasha BEKAURI emerged victorious. Driving the passionate Georgian team into the World final with commanding Republic of Korean delivered a dominant performance in their semi-final against Germany, sweeping to victory 4 - 0. With sharp technique, relentless pressure, and outstanding team spirit, they left no room for doubt and secured their place in the final in emphatic fashion. It was The Republic of Korea VS Georgia in the final contending for the gold medal - who would rewrite history? LEE led with an ippon, setting the tone with a confident performance. But fresh off her World Championship win, LIPARTELIANI evened the score. BAKHBAKHASHVILI held his way to victory and TCHANTURIA took home another win for team Georgia. At 3-1 it was left to double Olympic Champion Lasha BEKAURI to take it home for his team. Gold for Georgia - and a new chapter was written in World Judo history. We are the happiest in the World now because it is the first time in our history. We are Georgians, we are the best! IJF President Mr Marius VIZER awarded the gold trophy. Mrs Filomena FORTES, IOC Member awarded the gold medals, and Mr Max-Hervé GEORGE, Director of International Partnerships of the IJF awarded the silver trophy. What an incredible celebration of judo it's been here at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships, delivering World-class action and true judo spirit from Budapest, Hungary. Until next time — thank you for watching.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Paralympic champion to take centre stage at national awards ceremony
A Paralympic champion will take centre stage at a national awards ceremony. Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, a gold medallist in judo at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards. Advertisement The event will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in January. Read more: Co-op thanks customers following cyber attack with special offer Mr Skelley, who was ranked world number one in his sport and most recently claimed bronze at Paris 2024, retired from competitive visually impaired judo earlier this year. He now works as a motivational speaker, judo instructor, and advocate for disability awareness. Becky Wall BEM, chief executive of the Loo of the Year Awards, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chris Hunt Skelley MBE as the keynote speaker at the Loo of the Year Awards this January. Advertisement "Having Chris join us is not only an incredible honour, but a powerful opportunity to amplify the message at the very heart of our work: that accessibility matters for everyone. "Chris represents the ability to rise above challenges and push for a more inclusive world. "His journey reminds us that the right support, opportunities, and accessible environments can make all the difference, not just in sport, but in everyday life." Now in its 38th year, the Loo of the Year Awards celebrates excellence in public and commercial washroom provision. Entrants—from hotels and pubs to shopping centres and offices—agree to unannounced inspections that assess facilities against 101 criteria, including cleanliness, accessibility, décor, signage, and customer care. Advertisement Mr Skelley will share his personal story at the event, highlighting the vital role accessible washrooms play for people with disabilities. "It's a huge honour to speak at the Loo of the Year Awards," he said. "It means a lot to share my story." Ms Wall said Mr Skelley's involvement will bring a "powerful" message to the awards. She said: "We believe Chris will do more than inspire our audience, he will empower them. "His presence will encourage everyone in the room to think differently, to act boldly, and to consider how their spaces and services can become more inclusive." Advertisement Read more: Paddy McGuinness 'heartbroken' on Father's Day morning as star shares message Inspections for the awards will take place throughout the summer, with entries closing on July 31. Nominees are graded from 'diamond' down to 'bronze,' with the top facilities honoured at the annual ceremony. Nominations for the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards are now open.
