When the Olympic cauldron ignited in Tokyo during the summer of 2021, judo made its triumphant return to the city where the sport first debuted at the 1964 Games. Among the 386 athletes stepping onto the tatami at the Nippon Budokan was South Korea’s Han Heeju, a rising talent in the women’s -63kg category. Though her Olympic journey ended earlier than hoped, Han’s participation marked a significant milestone in her career—and in South Korea’s ongoing quest to establish itself as a judo powerhouse.

Tokyo 2020: A Learning Experience on the World’s Biggest Stage

Han Heeju’s Olympic debut came on July 27, 2021, in the women’s -63kg elimination rounds. The then-22-year-old faced Slovenia’s Tina Trstenjak, the reigning 2016 Olympic champion and eventual silver medalist in Tokyo. Trstenjak, a veteran with multiple world titles to her name, proved too formidable for Han, who was eliminated in the second round of the tournament.

Her final placement—17th overall—reflected the competitive depth of the field rather than any lack of skill. The -63kg category at Tokyo 2020 featured some of judo’s most decorated athletes, including two-time world champion Clarisse Agbegnenou of France (who won gold) and Canada’s Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (bronze medalist). In a sport where margins are razor-thin, Han’s ability to even qualify for the Olympics spoke volumes about her potential.

Han also competed in the mixed team event, a new addition to the Olympic program in 2020. South Korea’s team, which included Han alongside athletes from other weight classes, advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to the Netherlands. The team finished in 9th place, a respectable result for a squad still finding its footing in the new format.

The Road to Tokyo: Han’s Journey to the Olympics

Han’s path to the Olympics was paved with steady progress through the ranks of international judo. Born in South Korea, she began training in judo at a young age, a common starting point for many of the country’s combat sports athletes. South Korea has a rich judo tradition, with athletes like Choi Min-ho (Olympic gold medalist in 2008) and Kim Jae-yup (1988 Olympic champion) serving as inspirations for the next generation.

Han’s breakthrough came in 2019 when she began competing in Grand Prix and Grand Slam events on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour. These tournaments, which serve as qualifiers for the Olympics, are among the most competitive in the sport. While Han didn’t medal in any of these events, her consistent performances earned her enough ranking points to secure a spot at Tokyo 2020.

One of her most notable pre-Olympic performances came at the 2019 Asian-Pacific Judo Championships, where she reached the quarterfinals. Though she didn’t medal, the experience against top regional competitors like Japan’s Miku Tashiro (a multiple world medalist) helped her refine her technique and mental approach to high-stakes matches.

Judo in South Korea: A Sport of National Pride

Judo holds a special place in South Korean sports culture. The country has produced 11 Olympic gold medalists in the sport, including legends like Choi Min-ho and Kim Jae-yup. The Korea Judo Association, founded in 1953, oversees the development of the sport domestically, with a focus on both elite performance and grassroots participation.

South Korea’s judo program is known for its technical precision and disciplined approach. Athletes often train at specialized judo academies, such as the Taeneung National Training Center in Seoul, where they undergo rigorous physical and mental conditioning. The sport is also deeply tied to the country’s military and police forces, with many top judokas serving as officers or instructors.

Han’s participation in Tokyo 2020 was part of South Korea’s broader strategy to regain its status as a judo powerhouse. While the country has historically excelled in lighter weight classes, there is a concerted effort to develop talent across all categories. Han’s performance in the -63kg division, though not medal-winning, was a step in that direction.

Life After Tokyo: Han’s Continued Growth

Following the Olympics, Han returned to the international circuit with renewed focus. On August 1, 2023, she competed at the 31st Summer World University Games in Chengdu, China. While the results of that tournament are not widely documented in English-language sources, her participation underscored her commitment to continuing her judo career at the highest levels.

Han’s post-Tokyo journey has also included appearances at Grand Slam events, where she has faced off against some of the same athletes she competed against in the Olympics. These tournaments serve as critical opportunities for athletes to refine their skills, gain ranking points, and prepare for future Olympic cycles.

One of the challenges Han faces is the highly competitive nature of the -63kg category. The division is dominated by athletes from France, Japan, and Slovenia, all of which have strong judo programs. To break into the upper echelons of the sport, Han will need to continue improving her technical repertoire, particularly in areas like ne-waza (groundwork) and ashi-waza (foot techniques), which are critical for success in modern judo.

The Olympic Experience: More Than Just Results

For many athletes, the Olympics are as much about the experience as they are about the results. Han Heeju’s time in Tokyo was no exception. The 2020 Games, held under strict COVID-19 protocols, were a unique and often surreal experience for competitors. Athletes were required to wear masks at all times (except during competition), maintain social distancing, and limit their interactions with others. The absence of spectators in the stands created an eerie atmosphere, particularly in a sport like judo, where the energy of the crowd often fuels performances.

Despite these challenges, the Olympics provided Han with invaluable exposure to the world’s best judokas. Competing alongside athletes like Clarisse Agbegnenou and Tina Trstenjak allowed her to observe their techniques up close, learn from their strategies, and identify areas for improvement in her own game. The mixed team event, in particular, offered a chance to collaborate with teammates from different weight classes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Han’s Olympic experience also highlighted the global nature of judo. The sport’s origins in Japan are deeply respected, and the Tokyo Games were an opportunity to celebrate judo’s history while looking toward its future. For Han, representing South Korea on such a stage was a source of immense pride, both personally and professionally.

What’s Next for Han Heeju?

As of April 2026, Han Heeju remains an active competitor on the international judo circuit. While her exact schedule for the year is not publicly available, athletes in her position typically compete in a mix of Grand Prix, Grand Slam, and continental championships to accumulate ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The road to Paris 2024 has already passed, but the next Olympic cycle is well underway. For Han, the focus will likely be on improving her consistency in major tournaments and securing a higher ranking in the IJF World Ranking List. A strong performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, could serve as a key stepping stone toward qualifying for Los Angeles 2028.

Beyond competition, Han’s career trajectory may also include opportunities in coaching or sports administration. Many retired judokas in South Korea transition into roles that allow them to offer back to the sport, whether through coaching young athletes or working with the Korea Judo Association. For now, however, Han’s primary goal remains clear: to continue growing as an athlete and to make her mark on the international stage.

Key Takeaways

• Olympic Debut: Han Heeju competed in the women’s -63kg judo event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing 17th overall. She also participated in the mixed team event, where South Korea placed 9th.
• Competitive Field: The -63kg category at Tokyo 2020 was one of the most stacked in judo, featuring Olympic champions and world medalists from France, Slovenia, and Japan.
• South Korea’s Judo Tradition: Han is part of a long line of South Korean judokas who have excelled on the international stage, with the country producing 11 Olympic gold medalists in the sport.
• Post-Tokyo Growth: After the Olympics, Han continued competing in Grand Slam and Grand Prix events, as well as the 2023 Summer World University Games.
• Future Goals: Han’s focus is likely on improving her ranking and performance in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

FAQ

What weight class does Han Heeju compete in?

Han Heeju competes in the women’s -63kg weight class in judo. This category is one of seven weight classes for women in Olympic judo, ranging from -48kg to +78kg.

Did Han Heeju win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

No, Han Heeju did not win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She finished 17th in the women’s -63kg event and 9th in the mixed team event.

What is the mixed team event in judo?

The mixed team event is a relatively new addition to Olympic judo, introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Games. It features teams of six athletes (three men and three women) competing across different weight classes. The event emphasizes teamwork and strategy, as athletes from various categories function together to secure points for their team.

How does one qualify for the Olympics in judo?

Athletes qualify for the Olympics in judo through a combination of ranking points and continental representation. The International Judo Federation (IJF) maintains a World Ranking List, which is used to determine qualification. Athletes earn points by competing in IJF-sanctioned tournaments, such as Grand Prix, Grand Slam, and World Championship events. The top-ranked athletes in each weight class typically secure Olympic berths, with additional spots allocated to ensure representation from all continents.

What are some of the key techniques Han Heeju might use in competition?

While specific techniques vary by athlete, judokas in the -63kg category often rely on a combination of throws (nage-waza) and groundwork (ne-waza). Common throws include seoi-nage (shoulder throw), uchi-mata (inner thigh throw), and o-soto-gari (major outer reap). In groundwork, techniques like osaekomi-waza (hold-downs) and shime-waza (chokes) are frequently used to secure victories.

How to Follow Han Heeju’s Career

Fans interested in following Han Heeju’s career can stay updated through the following official channels:

• International Judo Federation (IJF): Provides results, rankings, and news from the world of judo.
• Korea Judo Association: Offers updates on South Korean judokas, including Han Heeju.
• Olympic Channel: Covers Olympic athletes and their journeys, including post-Tokyo updates.

As Han continues to compete, her story serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required to excel in judo. While her Olympic debut may not have ended with a medal, it was a critical step in her development as an athlete—and a testament to the depth of talent in South Korean judo. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Han Heeju is a name to watch in the years to come.

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