Overview

Shohei Ono is a retired Japanese judoka who is regarded as one of the greatest judokas in the sport’s history. Born on February 3, 1992, in Yamaguchi, Japan, Ono achieved significant success in the -73 kg weight category. He is particularly known for his technical prowess and dominance in competition.

Ono won two Olympic gold medals in the men’s 73 kg category, triumphing at both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His performance at the Tokyo Olympics was especially noteworthy as he became the first judoka to retain the Olympic title in the 73 kg category, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure. Beyond his Olympic successes, Ono is a three-time World Champion, having secured titles in 2013, 2015, and 2019.

Ono’s career has been marked by his mastery of traditional judo techniques, including the uchi mata and osoto gari, which he used to achieve many of his victories. He has been celebrated for his dedication to the sport and his embodiment of the principles of judo, combining physical skill with mental discipline.

After stepping back from competition, Ono announced his retirement and expressed a desire to continue contributing to the sport through coaching and promoting judo.