Born: 1974 (Cuba)
Biography:
Amarilis Savón Carmenate was born on May 13, 1974, in Cuba. She is a Cuban judoka who has made a significant impact in the world of judo. Competing at four Olympic Games, Savón has won three Olympic bronze medals, solidifying her status as one of the most successful judokas in history.
Savón’s journey in the Olympic Games began in 1992 when she competed in Barcelona for Cuba. She participated in the women’s extra lightweight category and showcased her incredible skills on the mat. Savón fought her way to the podium, finishing third and securing the bronze medal. This early success cemented her place as a rising star in the world of judo.
Four years later, Savón found herself representing Cuba once again at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Her first bout was against Algeria’s Salima Souakri, the fifth-place finisher from the previous games. Savón displayed her prowess and emerged victorious, progressing to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, she faced Hillary Wolf of the United States and once again demonstrated her skill and determination to win. Though Savón lost her semifinals bout against eventual silver medalist Ryoko Tamura, she earned a spot in the repechage rounds for the bronze medals. In the bronze medal bout, Savón faced off against Sarah Nichilo from France and emerged triumphant, clinching another bronze medal for her collection.
The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney saw Savón compete again, aiming to add another medal to her name. Despite not medaling this time, she showed her competitive spirit and fought hard in each bout. Savón won her first match against Laura Manuela Moise from Romania but fell short in the quarterfinals against the silver medalist from Russia, Lyubov Bruletova. However, Savón’s performance in the repechage rounds showcased her determination and resilience.
In her final Olympic appearance in 2004 in Athens, Savón gave it her all to secure another medal. Her journey began with a dominant victory against Sweden’s Sanna Askelöf. Continuing her exceptional form, she won her second bout in the round of 16 against Lee Eun-hee from South Korea. Savón faced off against the bronze medalist from Belgium, Ilse Heylen, in the quarterfinals and emerged as the victor. Unfortunately, she lost her semifinals bout to the silver medalist, Yuki Yokosawa of Japan. However, Savón demonstrated her tenacity and skill in the bronze medal bout against Algeria’s Salima Souakri, finishing with a score of 0100-0000 and securing her third Olympic bronze medal.
Beyond her Olympic achievements, Savón has had a significant impact on the sport of judo. After retiring from competition, she moved to Miami, Florida, in the United States. Savón has become a respected figure in the community, serving as a lead instructor and coach at Somerset Academy Charter. Her expertise and dedication have influenced countless judokas and contributed to the growth of the sport.
Savón’s motivation and inspiration stem from her love for judo and her desire to excel in the sport. Her achievements have solidified her as a role model for aspiring athletes, especially women in judo. Savón’s success and perseverance have made her an influential figure in women’s history, exemplifying the power of determination and passion.
Awards:
– 1992 Olympic Games: Bronze Medal
– 1996 Olympic Games: Bronze Medal
– 2004 Olympic Games: Bronze Medal