Biography:
Akira Sone (素根 輝, Sone Akira) is a renowned Japanese judoka born on July 9, 2000. Her favorite techniques are Tai Otoshi and Ouchi Gari. Sone’s journey to becoming an Olympic medalist started at a young age when she began practicing Judo at the age of 7, inspired by her three brothers who also pursued the martial art.
In April 2013, Sone enrolled at Tanushimaru Junior High School, where she continued to refine her skills and develop a deep passion for Judo. Sone’s dedication paid off in August 2015 when she experienced her first taste of international success, triumphing at the World Judo Championships Cadets. Additionally, she emerged victorious at the National Junior High School Championships during the same period, showcasing her exceptional talent and potential.
Taking her martial arts journey to new heights, Sone entered Nanchiku High School in April 2016. She continued to hone her skills and sharpen her technique, aiming for excellence in every match she participated in. In March 2017, Sone’s hard work bore fruit as she captured the title at the National High School Championships, solidifying her position as one of Japan’s most promising judo athletes.
Sone’s achievements did not stop there. In August 2017, she clinched victory at the Inter-High School Championships, further establishing her dominance in the sport. That same year, in October, Sone made her mark on the international stage by conquering the World Judo Championships Juniors in the +78 kg weight class. This impressive feat showcased her strength, skill, and determination, setting the stage for her future success.
Continuing her winning streak, Sone secured the gold medal at the All-Japan Judo Championships in April 2018, solidifying her position as the top judoka in the country. She continued to ascend in the global judo rankings by winning the Asian Games in August 2018, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s most formidable athletes.
Achieving the highest accolades in her career, Sone reached the pinnacle of her judo journey at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. With unwavering determination and skill, Sone claimed the gold medal in the Women’s +78 kg event, showcasing her mastery of the martial art. Additionally, she contributed to the mixed team’s success, earning a silver medal in the highly competitive tournament. Sone’s performance electrified the crowd, inspiring a new generation of judo practitioners and leaving an indelible mark on the history of Japanese judo.
Akira Sone’s incredible achievements, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport have undoubtedly cemented her legacy as one of Japan’s greatest judo athletes. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring judokas worldwide, showcasing the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work in overcoming obstacles and reaching the pinnacle of success.
Awards:
– Silver medal in the mixed team event at the 2020 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal in the Women’s +78 kg event at the 2020 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal at the Asian Games (2018)
– First place at the All-Japan Judo Championships (2018)
– World Judo Championships Juniors winner in the +78 kg weight class (2017)
– Inter-High School Championships winner (2017)
– National High School Championships winner (2017)
– World Judo Championships Cadets winner (2015)
– National Junior High School Championships winner (2015)