Ruth Steiner (-61Kg) from the judo club Nidau was present.
The International Judo Federation (IFJ) commemorates a special event that took place 40 years ago: The first Women’s World Judo Championship was held at Madison Square Garden in New York from December 12 to 14, 1980. The Swiss female athletes were also present and recount their experiences.
40 years ago the first women’s world championship was held. On the occasion of this anniversary, successful development and equality in judo are celebrated in a dignified setting. This anniversary should have been celebrated by a big event, but unfortunately, because of Corona, it remained a virtual ceremony, which takes place on the weekend of November 27-29.
The central idea.
This is to remember that it was not easy for women of the time to participate in competitions. European championships were already organized in Europe, but not in other parts of the world. In 1978, the leaders of the nations active at the time founded in London the “Multinational Committee for the Admission of Women to the Olympic Games”. Rosmarie Manser Lettow represented Swiss women on this committee, which worked so that the Continental Championships and subsequent admission to the Olympics could be set up.
The initial situation.
“It was a different world of judo back then,” says Rosmarie. The Japanese women who dominate today were still far from world class. It wasn’t until 1978 that the first Japanese Championships for Women were held with just 37 athletes. “Uchi-mata was a technique prohibited in women’s competitions in Japan,” Rosmarie recalls. And it wasn’t until two years later and a month before the World Championships that the first Asian Championships with female participation took place.
In Switzerland too, the beginnings were difficult. “The women’s competitions have not been well accepted,” continues Rosmarie. “And it was just as unpopular to stand up for equal rights.” But despite all the resistance, the Swiss have always obtained brilliant results. After all, they also had a good chance of succeeding at the first World Cup in 1980.
The world championship.
Three athletes were in New York: Thérèse Nguyen (-56kg), Ruth Steiner (-61kg) and Judith Salzmann (-72kg). They were joined by then national coach Hiroshi Katanishi and head coach Rosmarie Manser Lettow.
Absolute silence! Because coaching was not allowed at the time, not even from the stands. “I was very nervous,” Thérèse remembers as if it were yesterday. “This world championship has been the highlight of my judo career so far. But I lacked a mental technique to get rid of this nervousness – ‘mental coach’ was a foreign word at the time. But Thérèse’s first World Cup confirmed her consistent and excellent results over the years. She fought with confidence, won the opening rounds and then lost to the future world champion. In the fight for bronze, she was incredibly unlucky: a tomoe-swimming attack is considered Ippon by her opponent! The disappointment of Thérèse and of all of us was enormous. Despite everything, a respectable fifth place is remembered.
Ruth Steiner had the honor of opening the 1st Women’s World Championship with her first fight. But that didn’t contribute to a good result: Unfortunately, she was knocked out in that first fight. Judith Salzmann was no better off. She also had to quit the competition after the second fight.
Japanese women were inferior.
The Asian women’s competitions were followed with great interest. Most of the attention was paid to Japanese women, as their level was absolutely unknown. “Overall, there were some good technical approaches that were seen, but it was clearly evident that they had little competitive experience,” said Rosmarie with hindsight. It was only in the -52 kg weight category that the Japanese Yamaguchi managed to reach the final, where she was beaten by European champion Edith Horvath (AUT).
For Rosmarie, it was overall a good confirmation: “During these first world championships, we were confirmed that the bastion of world class for women was still very close to us. The eight world championship titles went to women from Western and Central Europe and in each weight category three of the four medalists were from Central Europe. And it is precisely in this environment of competition at the highest level in the world that our women have won successes and medals time and time again!
Hiroshi’s impressions.
“It turned out that women’s judo was well developed in Europe, and this first world championship in 1980 confirmed the level. But it was also an opportunity for Japanese women to realize how far behind they were. taken, “Hiroshi Katanishi retrospectively analyzes. “This moment of truth confirmed not only to the female fighters, but also to the coaches and officials of the federations, that judo is predestined for women as well as for men. This awareness has had a great influence on the development of female judo in the world. world. Thanks to this world championship and its positive effects, women have practically caught up to the level of competition of men to this day “.
In conclusion, Rosmarie is very grateful for Hiroshi’s support: “For the development and recognition within the FSJ, Hiroshi Katanishi’s commitment to us has contributed a lot. And:” During all these years, I have not was afraid to stand out because I was convinced I was doing the right thing for women in judo. “
And we thank you for these pioneering efforts on the part of the FSJ!
