Born: 1957 (France)
Biography:
Martine Rottier, a prominent figure in the world of judo, was born on February 18, 1957, in France. Her journey in the sport began at a young age, and her passion for judo grew over the years, ultimately leading her to become one of the most successful martial artists of her time.
Rottier’s career took off in 1974 when she participated in the French women’s judo championships. This was the first time the championships were held on a trial basis, and Rottier made a lasting impression by clinching victory in both the light middleweight and open classes. Her remarkable performance in the championships set the stage for her future success.
From 1975 to 1989, Rottier competed in the official French championships, consistently displaying her formidable skills in the light middleweight division. She reached the final almost every year, with the exception of 1986, and emerged victorious nine times. Additionally, she secured the second-place position five times. In the open class, Rottier collected two silver medals and an impressive seven bronze medals.
The year 1975 marked a significant point in Rottier’s career as she won her first international medal at the European Championships in Munich. This event was the inaugural European Judo Championships for women, and Rottier emerged triumphant, defeating Belgium’s Marie-France Mill in the final. She continued her streak of success at the 1976 European Championships in Vienna, winning the final against Yugoslavia’s Marina Angelović.
The 1977 European Championships held in Arlon presented Rottier with a new challenge. She was defeated in the semifinals by Germany’s Ingrid Berg but managed to secure a bronze medal by defeating Yvonne Vringer from the Netherlands. The following year, at the 1978 European Championships in Cologne, Rottier faced off against her nemesis, Berg, in the final, but unfortunately came up short. However, this setback did not deter her determination.
In the years that followed, Rottier faced tough competition from Brigitte Deydier at the French Championships. She also participated in the prestigious European Championships, adding a bronze medal to her collection at both the 1981 event in Madrid and the 1982 event in Oslo. However, it was at the second World Judo Championships for women, held in Paris in December 1982, where she truly shone. Rottier displayed her prowess by defeating a series of formidable opponents, including Germany’s Gabriele Ritschel, Chantal Han of the Netherlands, Robin Chapman of the United States, and finally, Inger Lise Solheim from Norway, to claim the gold medal.
The 1983 European Championships in Genoa proved to be a challenging competition for Rottier as she was defeated in the semifinals by Ann Hughes of Great Britain. Undeterred, she fought back in the bronze medal match against Inger Lise Solheim and emerged victorious. In 1984, at the World Championships in Vienna, Rottier faced yet another setback, losing in the quarterfinals. However, she showcased her resilience and came back strong to secure the bronze medal by defeating Ann Hughes and Laura Di Toma.
Rottier’s dedication to the sport of judo extended well beyond this period, as she remained active until 1989. Her impact on the sport and her numerous achievements have left an indelible mark in women’s judo and continue to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (1974)
– Silver Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (Open Class) (1974)
– Bronze Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (Open Class) (1974)
– Gold Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (1975-1985, 1987)
– Silver Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (1976-1979, 1982)
– Bronze Medal, French Women’s Judo Championships (Open Class) (1976-1982, 1984)
– Bronze Medal, European Judo Championships (1981, 1982, 1984)
– Gold Medal, World Judo Championships (1982)
– Bronze Medal, World Judo Championships (1980, 1984)