Judo at the Summer Olympics
Olympic judo began in 1964 and has grown globally.
Judo has been a part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1964, when it was first included in Tokyo, Japan. After a brief absence in 1968, it has been contested at every subsequent Olympiad. Women's judo was introduced as a demonstration sport in 1988 and became an official medal event in 1992.
Quick Facts
- Sport
- judo
- Menevents
- 7
- Mixedevents
- 1
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Judo's Olympic journey started at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, the sport's country of origin. It was not included in the 1968 Games but returned and has been a fixture ever since. Only male judoka competed until 1988, when women's judo was held as a demonstration sport; women first received Olympic medals in 1992.
Reader's Guide
Judo at the Summer Olympics has evolved significantly since its debut. The competition format uses a single-elimination bracket for gold and silver, with two bronze medals awarded through repechage bouts. Weight classes have varied from 4 to 8 over the years, currently at 7. The mixed team event, introduced in 2020, features teams of six athletes (three men and three women) competing in six individual bouts, with a tie-breaking bout if needed. Judoka from 56 nations have won medals, representing all five continents, underscoring the sport's global reach. The inclusion of women's events in 1992 marked a major milestone for gender equality in Olympic judo.
More in Sports at the Summer Olympics
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