Born: 1986 (Jamundí, Colombia)
Biography:
Yuri Alvear Orejuela ODB2 (born March 29, 1986, in Jamundí) is a Colombian judo athlete known for her impressive career achievements. She has made significant contributions to the sport, becoming a role model and inspiration for many aspiring athletes. Alvear is a two-time Olympic medalist, a three-time world champion, and has also excelled at the Pan American and South American levels.
From a young age, Alvear displayed talent in various sports, including water polo, volleyball, handball, and athletics. However, it was her judo coach, Ruperto Guaúña, who recognized her potential when he saw her skills during a fight with a classmate. Impressed by her natural talent, Guaúña invited her to join the municipal team and began nurturing her abilities. Although Alvear started training relatively late compared to her peers, her physical condition provided her with an advantage.
Alvear’s journey began at the zonal, intercollegiate, and interscholastic games in her department. Her impressive performances led her to represent Colombia at the National Games, where she caught the attention of the national team.
She represented Colombia at three consecutive Summer Olympics, from 2008 to 2016, achieving remarkable success. In London 2012, Alvear clinched an Olympic bronze medal, and four years later, at Rio de Janeiro 2016, she won the silver medal. These accomplishments made her the sixth Colombian athlete to hold two Olympic medals, joining the ranks of esteemed sporting figures such as Jackeline Renteria, Oscar Figueroa, Caterine Ibargüen, Mariana Pajón, and Helmut Bellingrodt.
In addition to her Olympic success, Alvear has also shown her prowess at the Pan American Games. She has won four medals across multiple editions of the games, from 2007 to 2019. Moreover, Alvear has clinched an impressive six medals at the World Judo Championships between 2009 and 2018, further solidifying her status as one of the world’s top judo athletes. Additionally, she has amassed eleven medals at the Pan American Judo Championships between 2007 and 2018, further highlighting her consistent excellence.
Alvear’s journey to greatness started with her participation in the 2008 Olympic cycle. She began by winning a gold medal in the –57 kg category at the South American Games in Buenos Aires. The following year, she secured the bronze medal in the –70 kg category at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Alvear finished seventh in the –70 kg category, marking the best performance by a Colombian judoka in Olympic history.
Alvear’s pursuit of success continued in 2009, where she achieved remarkable milestones. She participated in the Pan American Judo Championships in Buenos Aires, where she emerged victorious in the –70 kg category, clinching the gold medal. Her exceptional year continued at the World Judo Championships in Rotterdam, where she faced the Hungarian Anett Mészáros in the final of the –70 kg category. With persistence and skill, Alvear defeated Mészáros after a riveting match of 4 minutes and 57 seconds, becoming the first Colombian to achieve the prestigious world title.
Alvear’s outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, as she received well-deserved recognition. At the end of 2009, she was a finalist for Sportsman of the Year by the prominent Colombian newspaper, El Tiempo, finishing second behind boxer Juan Urango. In addition, she was chosen as the second-place Athlete of the Year by the respected newspaper, El Espectador, only surpassed by Clara Juliana Guerrero.
Yuri Alvear’s remarkable achievements, both in the Olympic arena and on the international stage, have solidified her status as a judo icon in Colombia and globally. Her dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit have not only brought her personal success but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. Her illustrious career has made a lasting impact on the world of judo, and she continues to be an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
Awards:
– Olympic Bronze Medalist, London 2012
– Olympic Silver Medalist, Rio de Janeiro 2016
– Three-Time World Judo Champion, 2009, 2013, 2014
– Multiple-time Pan American Games Medalist
– Multiple-time South American Medalist