Born: 1993 (Soisy-sous-Montmorency, France)
Biography:
Madeleine Malonga, born on December 25, 1993, in Soisy-sous-Montmorency, is a French judoka who has made a significant impact in the world of judo. Her journey to success has been marked by dedication, hard work, and numerous accomplishments.
Malonga’s initial exposure to judo came at the age of eight, when she accompanied a friend to the Chambly Judo Club. Inspired by her grandfather, who was a judoka in the Congo, she decided to give it a try. This decision would shape her life in the years to come.
Around the age of 13-14, Malonga joined the Amiens hope centre, where she continued to develop her skills and talent. In 2010, she took a significant step forward in her career by joining the prestigious National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP). This move provided her with access to top-level training and support, setting her on the path to success.
Malonga’s first taste of success at the national level came in 2014 and 2017 when she became the individual French champion. In 2018, she clinched the team title with the Étoile Sportive du Blanc-Mesnil Judo club. During this period, she also represented France internationally and achieved remarkable results.
At the 2015 European Games, Malonga contributed to the team’s success by winning the gold medal. In the ensuing years, she continued to shine on the international stage. At the 2018 European Judo Championships, she emerged victorious by defeating her compatriot Audrey Tcheuméo in the final, denying Tcheuméo her fourth European title.
Malonga’s breakthrough year came in 2019, when she secured her first World Championship title in the -78 kg category at the prestigious event held in Tokyo. In an exciting final, she defeated the defending champion, Shori Hamada of Japan, with an ippon. This victory not only affirmed her talent but also established her as one of the world’s best judokas.
Continuing her winning streak, Malonga claimed the gold medal at the 2020 European Judo Championships in Prague, defeating Germany’s Luise Malzahn in the final. She followed this up with another European title in 2020, further cementing her reputation as a dominant force in her weight category.
Despite facing challenges along the way, Malonga has consistently displayed resilience and determination. At the 2021 World Judo Championships in Budapest, she reached the final but narrowly missed out on the gold medal, settling for the silver after a hard-fought match against Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner.
Malonga’s journey culminated in her participation at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She reached the final of the -78 kg tournament, where she faced off against her familiar rival, Shori Hamada of Japan. Although she put up a valiant fight, she ultimately claimed the silver medal, solidifying her position as one of the world’s top judokas.
Malonga’s achievements extend beyond her personal success. Through her dedication and passion for the sport, she has inspired numerous judokas, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams. Her impact on society is reflected in her role as an ambassador for women’s empowerment and the positive influence she exerts within the judo community.
Awards:
– Silver medal at the 2021 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal at the 2020 European Judo Championships
– Bronze medal at the 2019 World Judo Championships
– Gold medal at the 2018 European Judo Championships
– Gold medal at the 2015 European Games (team event)