Deguchi Wins Canada’s First Gold Medal in Judo at the Paris Olympics

July 29, 2024 TruthUSA

Judo champion Christa Deguchi has secured Canada’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics by claiming the top spot in the women’s under 57 kg weight division on July 29.

Huh Mi-mi of South Korea took home the silver medal, while Haruka Funakubo from Japan and Sarah-Leonie Cysique from France received bronze medals.

With this victory, Ms. Deguchi has become Canada’s first-ever gold medalist in judo at the Olympics.

Ms. Deguchi, who was born and raised in Japan, transitioned to compete for Canada in 2017. Her father, originally from Winnipeg, is a Canadian citizen who relocated to Japan for work as an English instructor.

Now 28 years old, Ms. Deguchi has solidified her position as Canada’s most decorated female judoka since making the move. She began her judo journey at the age of 3 and started competing during her elementary school years.

Her impressive career includes 11 Grand Slam gold medals, along with four silver and two bronze medals on the elite circuit. Furthermore, she clinched the world championship titles in both 2019 and 2023.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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