Born: 1968
Emanuela Pierantozzi (born 22 August 1968) is an Italian judoka who has achieved great success in her judo career. She is a multiple world and Olympic medalist, showcasing her incredible talent and dedication to the sport.
Pierantozzi’s journey to becoming a world-class judoka began in the late 1980s. She quickly made a name for herself, winning her first gold medal at the European Championships in 1989 in Helsinki in the 66 kg weight category. This was just the start of her impressive medal collection.
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Pierantozzi clinched a silver medal in the 66 kg category. Four years later, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she added a bronze medal to her Olympic tally, this time in the 78 kg category. Her ability to compete and succeed in different weight categories is a testament to her versatility and skill as a judoka.
In addition to her Olympic success, Pierantozzi has also excelled at the World Championships. She won two gold medals, one in 1989 in Belgrade and another in 1991 in Barcelona, both in the 66 kg category. She also earned a bronze medal in 1997 in Paris, further solidifying her status as one of the top judokas in the world.
Pierantozzi’s dominance extended to the European Championships, where she won two gold medals (1989 and 1992), three silvers (1988, 1995, and 1996), and two bronzes (1991 and 1993). She also achieved success at the Mediterranean Games, earning a gold medal in 1997 in Bari.
Off the mat, Pierantozzi has made significant contributions to the sport of judo. She served as the coach of the Cadet National Judo Teams from 2005 to 2006 and was the technical director of the Judo Section of Cus Bologna and the Emilia Romagna Regional Committee. She also coached the Women’s Judo Team of Pusan Junior College in South Korea and the Izumo Vultur Sports Association of Genoa-Voltri.
Beyond her involvement in coaching, Pierantozzi has been an active member of the sports community. She was a member of the CONI Athletes’ Commission from 1995 to 2005 and a representative in the Interministerial Anti-Doping Commission from 2001 to 2002. Her commitment to fair play and clean sport demonstrates her dedication to upholding the integrity of judo.
Pierantozzi’s academic pursuits complement her sporting achievements. She graduated in Motor Sciences and Performing Arts and Techniques, and currently works as a university researcher in the Disciplinary Sector M-EDF/02 Methods and Didactics of Sports Activities. Having worked at the Faculty of Motor Sciences in Bologna and the University of Genoa, she has also shared her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of athletes and sports professionals.
In addition to her involvement in judo and academia, Pierantozzi is also a talented sculptor. Her best-known work is the Monument to Marco Pantani in Cesenatico. Her artistic talents have been recognized, and she is an artist-member of the Art of the Olympians Foundation.
Throughout her career, Pierantozzi has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to judo. She is a recipient of the Medal of Honor for Sporting Merit and the Gold Medal for Athletic Valor. She has also been honored with the Knight Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the Gold Star for Sporting Merits. These accolades highlight her exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.
Emanuela Pierantozzi’s success as a judoka, coach, academic, and artist has left an indelible mark on the world of judo. Her impressive achievements, both on and off the mat, make her a true trailblazer and an inspiration to future generations of judokas, especially women.