Biography:
Idalys Ortiz Bocourt is a Cuban judoka, born on September 27, 1989. She has made a significant impact in the world of judo, competing in multiple Olympic Games and consistently achieving remarkable results. Ortiz first discovered her passion for judo at the age of 10, and by 15, she was already a part of the national team, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication at a young age.
Ortiz made her Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the over 78 kg division. In her first match, she faced a formidable Egyptian judoka named Samah Ramadan. Despite Ramadan’s attempts to immobilize Ortiz, she remained persistent and executed a last-minute move, securing a victory just seconds before the match ended. Ortiz’s determination paid off, earning her the bronze medal and making her the youngest Olympic medalist in the heavyweight category.
Continuing to display her skills and resilience, Ortiz participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London. She showcased her expertise by winning the gold medal, defeating Adysângela Moniz with a tsuri-goshi in her first match. Ortiz then faced Yelena Ivashchenko and avenged her 2008 defeat against Tong Wen with a te-guruma. In the final, she triumphed over Mika Sugimoto, becoming the first non-Asian winner of the heavyweight category and the first Cuban judo gold medalist in 12 years.
In 2013 and 2016, Ortiz’s outstanding achievements led her to be named Cuban Athlete of the Year. Her skill, determination, and consistency in performing at the highest level have cemented her status as one of the most respected and talented judokas in the world.
In the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Ortiz added another medal to her collection, winning a silver medal. She displayed her mastery by defeating Kseniya Chibisova with a tawara-gaeshi and Kim Min-Jeong with a yoko-shiho-gatame. In the semifinals, Ortiz conquered Kanae Yamabe with a uki-goshi before ultimately losing in the final to Émilie Andéol. Her performance throughout the season also earned her the top ranking worldwide, along with her Olympic silver medal.
Ortiz’s success extends beyond the Olympics. At the 2015 Pan American Championships, she secured the gold medal by defeating Vanessa Zambotti in the final after triumphing over Nina Cutro-Kelly in the semifinals. This victory contributed to a total of three gold medals for Cuba at the championships.
Idalys Ortiz’s remarkable journey in judo showcases her incredible talent, relentless spirit, and unwavering dedication to her sport. Her accomplishments have not only brought pride to Cuba but have also inspired and influenced aspiring judokas worldwide. Her resilience, perseverance, and commitment to excellence make her an iconic figure in the world of women’s judo.
Awards:
– 2008 Beijing Olympics: Bronze medal in the over 78 kg division
– 2012 London Olympics: Gold medal in the over 78 kg division
– 2015 Pan American Championships: Gold medal in the over 78 kg division
– 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics: Silver medal in the over 78 kg division
– 2017 World Openweight Championships: Bronze medal