Huh Mimi secured the gold medal in the women’s 57-kilogram judo division at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on December 1, claiming her first major multi-sport tournament title as a third-generation Zainichi Korean and the fifth-generation descendant of independence activist Huh Seok, Maeil Business Newspaper reported.
Victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
Reflecting on the triumph a week later in Seoul, Huh stated that while the joy of achieving her primary target remained strong, a lingering disappointment stayed with her after the national team finished fourth in the mixed team event. Facing external questions regarding the pressure of competing in Japan, Huh noted that hearing Korean supporters inside the venue transformed the atmosphere into something resembling a national selection trials, allowing her to compete with a lighter mind.
Overcoming a Torn Posterior Cruciate Ligament
The path to the top of the podium involved overcoming significant physical setbacks, including a posterior cruciate ligament tear in her right knee diagnosed just three weeks before the competition. This injury compounded the recovery challenges following a left-shoulder surgery she underwent in November 2024. Despite the physical toll, Huh maintained her training regimen by increasing her primary weightlifting targets by approximately 10 kilograms during the preceding three-month conditioning block and conducting nightly training sessions with sparring partners.
Tactical Shifts and National Representation
Ahead of the Asian Games, Huh adjusted her competition strategy after struggling with early penalties during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She focused on initiating attacks without conceding opening penalties, combining her physical conditioning with improved mat control. This tactical evolution bolstered her confidence for upcoming international competitions. Furthermore, before stepping onto the mat in Aichi-Nagoya, she memorized the lyrics and meaning of Aegukga, the South Korean national anthem, deepening her personal connection to her role as a representative of the country—a path originally encouraged by her late grandmother.
Targeting a Grand Slam at the Los Angeles Olympics
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 international cycle and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Huh intends to refine her technical execution while maintaining her physical strength. Having already secured a World Championship title and an Asian Games gold medal, she has set her sights on completing a career Grand Slam by capturing gold at the Olympic Games and the Asian Championships, viewing her current skill level as halfway toward her ultimate potential.
