Born: 1986 (Qingdao, China)
Yu Song (Chinese: 于颂) was born on August 6, 1986, in Qingdao, China. She is a renowned Chinese judoka who has achieved great success in her athletic career. Competing in the 78-kilogram weight class, Yu Song has represented her country on the international stage, making a significant impact in the world of judo. Her achievements and contributions have led her to become a celebrated figure in the sport.
Yu Song’s journey in judo began at a young age. Standing at an impressive height of 1.82 meters, she quickly showed promise and talent in the sport. In 2004, at the U20 Asian Championships, she secured a commendable third place. Over the next two years, Yu Song consistently displayed her skills, winning silver medals in 2005 and 2006 behind Uzbekistan’s Mariya Shekerova.
Expanding her horizons and striving for excellence, Yu Song also competed in the adult class at the 2005 Asian Championships. There, she showcased her skills and determination, earning a bronze medal in the open class and a silver in the heavyweight division behind Japan’s Mika Sugimoto. These early successes laid the foundation for her future accomplishments in the sport.
In the following years, Yu Song regularly participated in international tournaments held in her hometown of Qingdao. However, due to the presence of Tong Wen, another highly accomplished Chinese judoka, Yu Song faced challenges in qualifying for international championships. Nonetheless, she remained dedicated and focused on improving her skills.
In 2010, Yu Song’s persistence and hard work paid off when she emerged victorious in the Suwon World Cup tournament. This significant win propelled her career forward, setting the stage for her future achievements. However, at the 2010 World Championships, she faced a tough loss to Mika Sugimoto in her first fight. Despite this setback, Yu Song remained resilient, determined to bounce back stronger.
The year 2011 saw Yu Song achieve further success as she won a bronze medal with the Chinese team at the Universiade. This marked another milestone in her career, demonstrating her ability to perform at a high level in international competitions.
Yu Song’s breakthrough on the international stage came in 2015 when she emerged triumphant at the Asian Championships held in Kuwait. In the final, she defeated South Korea’s Kim Min-jung, earning herself a well-deserved gold medal. Just three months later, Yu Song continued her winning streak at the World Championships in Astana. There, she defeated Japan’s Megumi Tachimoto in the final, securing her first major international title.
The pinnacle of Yu Song’s career came in 2016 when she represented China at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Despite facing stiff competition, she showcased her skill and determination, reaching the semifinals. Although she suffered a loss to France’s Émilie Andéol in the semifinals, Yu Song bounced back to win the bronze medal against Kim Min-jung. This achievement solidified her status as one of China’s finest judokas.
Yu Song’s success continued in the following years. At the 2017 World Championships in Budapest, she once again faced Kim Min-jung in the quarterfinals and emerged victorious. She then defeated Irina Kindzerska of Azerbaijan in the semifinals, setting the stage for the final against Japan’s Sarah Asahina. In an exhilarating match, Yu Song displayed her skills and determination, ultimately winning her second gold medal, cementing her status as one of the world’s top judokas.
Throughout her athletic career, Yu Song has not only achieved remarkable success but has also inspired countless individuals. Her dedication to the sport, resilience in the face of challenges, and consistent pursuit of excellence have made her a role model in the judo community.
Awards:
– Bronze medal at the Universiade (2011)
– Gold medal at the Asian Championships (2015)
– Gold medal at the World Championships (2015)
– Bronze medal at the Summer Olympics (2016)
– Gold medal at the World Championships (2017)