South Korean judoka Huh Mimi captured the women’s 57-kilogram gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, securing her first major multi-sport tournament title after defeating a grueling test of injuries and immense personal pressure, according to an exclusive interview published by Maeil Business Newspaper.
Overcoming a Torn Ligament to Claim Gold
The 24-year-old third-generation Korean-Japanese athlete—and fifth-generation descendant of independence activist Huh Seok—claimed the title on December 1, 2026. Her path to the podium was nearly derailed just three weeks before the competition when a training session resulted in a torn posterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. The diagnosis added to a punishing physical recovery following left shoulder surgery in November 2024.
Rather than withdrawing, Huh intensified her physical preparation during the final three months leading up to the Games, increasing her maximum lift in key exercises by approximately 10 kilograms. Even after sustaining the knee injury, she maintained a rigorous schedule, completing nightly training sessions with her sparring partners and extending her time on the mat by 20 minutes daily despite the pain.
In the moment of winning gold, I deeply felt the truth that effort does not betray you,
Huh told the publication in Seoul. Her tactical approach also shifted significantly from the Paris Olympics—where early penalties often put her at a disadvantage—toward initiating proactive attacks without drawing early shido penalties.
Huh Struggles to Sing National Anthem in Japan
Standing on the podium in Japan, Huh intended to sing the South Korean national anthem, Aegukga, having studied and memorized the meaning of every word ahead of the tournament. However, the emotional weight of realizing a lifelong ambition left her choked with emotion, unable to utter the lyrics as she listened to the music.
Competing in Japan carried unique psychological hurdles. People frequently asked me how it felt to compete in Japan and whether I worried about not winning gold,
Huh said. Once I stepped onto the mat, I heard the cheers of Korean fans. It felt like competing in a national team selection trials, which actually made the matches easier.
Her journey to the South Korean national team began with the explicit wish of her grandmother, who passed away in 2021 before Huh could show her a major international medal. Having captured a world championship title, an Olympic silver medal in Paris, and now an Asian Games gold, Huh keeps her memory close. Instead of words, I wanted to show her the gold medal first,
she reflected. She would have been proud.
Looking Ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics
Following a fourth-place finish in the mixed team event alongside her national teammates, Huh is already turning her attention to the next Olympic cycle. Rating her current judo career at 50 out of 100 points, her ultimate ambition is to complete a career Grand Slam by capturing gold at the Olympic Games and Asian Championships.
My ultimate goal is not the Asian Games, so I want to prepare for my next target as quickly as possible,
Huh stated, setting her sights firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while focusing on refining her technical mastery and physical conditioning.
