Nae Udaka (jap. 宇高菜絵 Udaka Nae; born March 6, 1985) is a former Japanese judoka who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her exceptional skills and determination, Udaka achieved numerous successes throughout her career, making her one of the most respected athletes in the judo community.
Udaka’s athletic journey began to take shape when she won the Fukuoka Cup in 2004. This early victory propelled her into the spotlight, showcasing her potential as a formidable judoka. Her talent continued to flourish, and in 2007, Udaka secured the title at the Universiade held in Bangkok. These early triumphs laid the foundation for a remarkable career that was yet to unfold.
In 2009, Udaka faced a challenging yet defining moment in her career. She reached the final of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament in Rio de Janeiro, pitted against Portugal’s Telma Monteiro. Although she did not emerge victorious, this experience ignited a fire within Udaka, urging her to strive for even greater heights. It was a turning point that fueled her determination to become the best in her weight class.
The following year, Udaka proved her mettle by clinching her first Japanese Championships title in 2010. This remarkable achievement not only showcased her growing prowess, but also solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in her discipline. However, her journey to become a world champion had its share of obstacles.
At the 2010 World Championships in Tokyo, Udaka faced a formidable opponent in Gemma Howell, ultimately falling short in the early rounds. This setback did not deter her; instead, it fueled her resolve to reach new heights in the sport. She persevered with unwavering dedication, continually honing her skills and refining her technique.
Udaka’s perseverance paid off in 2013 when she emerged victorious at the Grand Slam tournament in Tokyo after a two-year period without major international success. The following year, she reached the final of the Grand Slam tournament in Paris, displaying her exceptional athleticism and tenacity. Although she fell short in the final to her compatriot Anzu Yamamoto, Udaka’s performance solidified her status as a top contender in the lightweight category.
It was in 2014 that Udaka achieved her crowning glory. At the World Championships held in Chelyabinsk, she overcame formidable opponents, defeating Sanne Verhagen of the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and Automne Pavia of France in the semifinals. In a thrilling final, she faced off against her previous rival, Telma Monteiro, and emerged triumphant, capturing the world title. This monumental victory was a testament to Udaka’s unwavering determination and unyielding spirit.
Udaka’s journey continued with ups and downs throughout her career. In 2016, she reached yet another Grand Slam final in Tokyo, but once again fell short, losing to her compatriot Tsukasa Yoshida. However, she continued to exemplify resilience, seizing the Japanese Championships title in 2017. Despite not competing in singles at the subsequent World Championships, Udaka continued to inspire and showcase her unwavering passion for judo.
In 2018, Udaka once again participated in the Japanese Championships, securing a respectable third-place finish. Her incredible journey stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment, perseverance, and exceptional skill as a judoka. Udaka’s impact on women’s judo is immeasurable, as she has inspired countless athletes with her tenacity and unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Awards:
– 2007 Universiade: Gold Medal
– 2014 World Championships: Gold Medal