Ai Tsunoda Breaks Spain’s World Judo Championship Drought in Baku
Ai Tsunoda Roustant captured the 70 kg gold medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, ending a 29-year title drought for Spanish women in the global tournament. Competing on day five of the championships, Tsunoda defeated Austria’s Michaela Polleres in a grueling final that stretched past seven minutes into the golden score period. Her victory marks the first world title for a Spanish female judoka since Isabel Fernández topped the podium in 1997, following Miriam Blasco’s gold in 1991.
Family Legacy and Dedication Behind the Tatami
Born in Lérida 24 years ago after her parents settled in Spain during a vacation and established a local judo dojo, Tsunoda comes from a deeply rooted judo lineage. Her grandfather, Makoto Tsunoda, was a judoka who instructed her father, Go—a coach who eventually led the British team at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Her mother, French judoka Céline Roustant, serves as both her coach and close confidante. Maintaining a strict pre-competition routine, Tsunoda turned off her mobile phone at 9 p.m. the night before the tournament to secure absolute focus, sweeping through her first four opponents before outlasting Polleres in the final.
Reflections from the New World Champion
Reflecting on her grueling path to the gold medal, Tsunoda emphasized the collective effort behind her success on the international stage. “Winning this world title is an incredible sensation,” Tsunoda said. “The final was extremely refought and difficult, but I kept fighting until the end. I knew I had to give it everything. My family has played a fundamental role in my career, especially my father, with whom I have trained for so many years. My mother, my brother, and my husband have also been incredibly important. We have shared so much both on and off the tatami, and I am deeply grateful to all of them.” She also noted that her first name, Ai, translates to “sweet” in Japanese.
Japanese Rivals Contest the 90 kg Division
The fifth day of competition in Baku also featured a showdown in the men’s 90 kg division, culminating in a final between world champions Sanshiro Murao and Goki Tajima. Murao ultimately secured the victory to retain his red backpatch until the next appointment, while Tajima’s performance highlighted the razor-thin margins and elite parity separating the division’s top competitors. Following their bout, Tsunoda and Murao shared a warm embrace for photographers, embodying the traditional values of brotherhood and lifestyle philosophy championed by the sport.
Cuban Contenders Prepare for Friday Bouts
As the individual tournament enters its penultimate day on Friday, the Cuban delegation prepares two athletes looking to secure their first victories of the competition in Azerbaijan. Lianet Cardona is set to compete in the 78 kg category facing a demanding opening draw, while teammate Iván Silva enters the 100 kg division for his eighth participation in these contests. Silva previously claimed a silver medal at this exact Baku venue during the 2018 World Championships, providing veteran experience as he aims to advance through his pool.
