Born: 1995
Biography:
Megumi Horikawa, born on October 18, 1995, is a Japanese judoka who has made a significant impact in the world of martial arts. From her early victories to her recent triumphs, Horikawa’s determination and skill have propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport.
Horikawa’s journey began in 2012 when she secured her first senior international title at the Tokyo Grand Slam. This achievement laid the foundation for her future success and established her as a formidable contender in the -63kg category.
In 2013, Horikawa took the silver medal at the World Junior Championships in the -63kg division, further showcasing her potential as a rising star in judo. Two years later, she proved her mettle by claiming the gold medal at the 2015 Universiade in Gwangju, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The following year, Horikawa faced a formidable competitor in the final of the Asian Championships. Although she was defeated by Marian Urdabayeva of Kazakhstan, her outstanding performance granted her a well-deserved second-place finish. Additionally, Horikawa contributed to the success of the Japanese team by helping them secure the Asian championship title in 2016.
In 2017, Horikawa achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Japanese championship title, further establishing her dominance in the welterweight division. However, shortly after her remarkable victory, she faced a hiatus that lasted for two and a half years.
After her hiatus, Horikawa made a triumphant return to the tatami mats at the 2020 Kodokan Cup. This marked a turning point in her career, as she demonstrated her resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
In 2022, Horikawa’s perseverance paid off as she claimed victory in two prestigious tournaments. She emerged as the champion at both the Tel Aviv Grand Slam, where she defeated Britain’s Gemma Howell in the final, and the Budapest Grand Prix, where she outperformed Poland’s Angelika Szymańska. These victories showcased Horikawa’s ability to rise above the competition and solidified her reputation as a top judoka.
The pinnacle of Horikawa’s career came at the 2022 World Championships in Tashkent. In a thrilling final, she faced off against Canadian judoka Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, ultimately emerging as the gold medalist in the -63kg category. This remarkable achievement underscored Horikawa’s skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Throughout her judo career, Horikawa’s accomplishments have not only brought her personal success but have also inspired and influenced others. Her dedication to the sport and her unwavering pursuit of excellence have made her a role model for aspiring judokas, particularly women, around the world.
Awards:
– 2015 Universiade: Gold Medal in Less than 63 kg category
– 2016 Asian Championships: Silver Medal in Less than 63 kg category, Gold Medal in Team
– 2022 World Championships: Gold Medal in Less than 63 kg category
– Various Grand Slam and Grand Prix tournaments: Multiple podium finishes in Less than 63 kg category, including first-place finishes at the 2022 Tel Aviv Judo Tournament and the 2022 Budapest Grand Prix.