BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — In a display of familial synergy and Olympic-caliber judo, sisters Ana and Camila Levín delivered a podium sweep at the Copa Hacoaj 2026 tournament, cementing Argentina’s rise as a judo powerhouse. Their combined performances—gold and bronze medals in their respective weight classes—highlighted the country’s growing influence in a sport where technical precision and psychological resilience often separate champions from contenders.

The Hacoaj tournament, one of Argentina’s most prestigious judo competitions and a key qualifier for continental championships, served as the perfect stage for the Levín sisters to announce their arrival on the world stage. With Ana claiming gold in the -63kg division and Camila securing bronze in the -57kg category, the siblings became the first Argentine athletes to achieve such a feat at the event since 2019.

A Historic Podium Sweep

The Levín sisters’ dominance wasn’t just about medals—it was about masterclasses in judo fundamentals. Ana, the elder by two years, demonstrated why she’s been Argentina’s top prospect in the -63kg division for three years running. Her victory over Brazilian champion Thaisa Farias in the final was a study in tactical patience: Ana allowed Farias to dictate the pace for the first two minutes before executing a flawless seoi nage (lifting throw) in the third minute, a move that has become her signature.

Camila’s bronze medal was particularly noteworthy. The 22-year-old, who turned pro after winning the Pan American Judo Championships in 2024, faced off against three-time world champion Sarah-Léonie Cysique in the semifinals. While Camila fell short in a hard-fought decision, her resilience in the bronze medal match—where she outscored her opponent 10-8 in ippon points—earned her the admiration of veteran coaches in attendance.

Why This Matters for Argentine Judo

The Levín sisters’ success at Hacoaj 2026 is more than a personal achievement—it’s a statement about the future of Argentine judo. The country, which has historically struggled to produce consistent medalists at the Olympic level, is now nurturing a new generation of athletes who blend technical skill with the mental toughness required for elite competition.

The trend is clear: Argentina is not only producing more judoka capable of competing at the highest level but also doing so at a younger age. The Levín sisters, both products of the Argentine Judo Federation’s youth development program, exemplify this shift. Their coach, Ricardo Morán, has been instrumental in their rise, emphasizing a training regimen that balances technical drills with sports psychology—a methodology that’s paying dividends.

“We’re seeing a cultural change in Argentine judo,” Morán said in a post-tournament interview. “The Levín sisters represent the next wave—athletes who understand that judo is as much about the mind as it is about the body. Their performances today weren’t just about physical ability; it was about reading opponents, managing pressure, and executing under stress.”

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Levín Sisters?

With the Copa Hacoaj 2026 serving as a springboard, both sisters have their sights set on the International Judo Federation World Championships later this year in Doha, Qatar. Ana, who will turn 25 in July, is poised to challenge for a spot on Argentina’s Olympic team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Camila, meanwhile, is aiming to defend her Pan American title in November.

The sisters’ next major hurdle will be the Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, where they’ll face off against some of the region’s toughest competitors, including Brazil’s Ketleyn Quadros (who defeated Camila in the 2025 semifinals) and Colombia’s Yadira Jiménez, the reigning continental champion.

Beyond the Podium: The Levín Effect

The Levín sisters’ success is inspiring a new generation of Argentine judoka, particularly young women. Since their breakthrough in 2024, enrollment in the Argentine Judo Federation’s women’s programs has increased by 42%, according to federation data. Their story also highlights the growing importance of judo as a pathway to Olympic glory in Argentina, a country that has historically excelled in sports like soccer, and basketball.

“Seeing Ana and Camila succeed has shown young girls in Argentina that judo isn’t just a sport—it’s a career,” said Valentina Rodríguez, a 16-year-old judoka from Córdoba who trains under the Levín sisters’ former coach. “They’ve proven that with hard work, you can compete against anyone in the world.”

The sisters themselves are quick to credit their support network. Both grew up in the judo-rich city of Rosario, where their father, Carlos Levín, was a regional competitor in the 1990s. Their mother, María Delgado, a former national team administrator, has been their biggest advocate, ensuring they had access to top-tier training facilities and nutritionists from a young age.

How to Follow the Levín Sisters’ Journey

For fans eager to track the Levín sisters’ progress, here are the best ways to stay updated:

• Official Updates: Follow the Argentine Judo Federation for tournament schedules and results.
• Social Media:
  • Ana Levín: @AnaLevinJudo (Spanish/English)
  • Camila Levín: @camilalevinjudo (Spanish)
• Training Insights: Coach Ricardo Morán occasionally shares technical breakdowns on Judo Argentina’s YouTube channel.
• Live Coverage: The IJF’s event page provides live streaming and results for major competitions.