Ten years after winning the historic Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, former judoka Majlinda Kelmendi has officially joined Instagram. The milestone marks a shift for an athlete who spent her career letting her competitive results speak for themselves rather than seeking digital attention.
Kelmendi announced the launch of her official account in an interview published by the European Judo Union, explaining that she felt curiosity was pushing her to try the platform. Known globally for her career on the mat, she spent years avoiding social media entirely while building a resume that includes two world titles, four European championships, and her landmark 2016 Olympic victory.
Joining Social Media Out of Curiosity After Years on the Mat
“I have always been of the opinion that the media plays an important role in sport,” Kelmendi told the European Judo Union. “They help people follow the journeys of athletes, celebrate successes, and inspire the next generation. At the same time, I have always preferred to focus on my work rather than social media, letting my results speak for themselves instead of seeking attention.”
When asked why she chose to open an account now, Kelmendi noted that the timing simply felt right. After years of keeping a strict distance from online platforms, she acknowledged a growing curiosity about how they work and where they might lead. Because a professional team manages the technical side of the accounts, she stated that she feels secure taking this step into direct digital engagement.
“I am excited, but honestly I don’t know exactly what to expect. It is something completely new for me,” Kelmendi said. “The positive side is that I have the opportunity to connect directly with people and share parts of my journey. Of course, social media also brings responsibility and criticism, but I am ready to learn.”
Reflecting on a Career Built on Medals and Resilience
Kelmendi earned the global respect of the sports world through rigorous discipline and relentless success, even as chronic injuries severely impacted large stretches of her competitive years. Alongside her Olympic gold medal in Rio, she claimed two world championship gold medals and a world bronze, cementing her status as a judoka.
Reflecting on her relationship with reporters and broadcasters throughout her career, Kelmendi described her media experiences as overwhelmingly positive. While acknowledging that public life occasionally brings inaccurate reporting or ungrounded commentary, she emphasized that she prefers to focus on factors within her control.
“I have always deeply appreciated the support and respect that was shown to me throughout my career,” Kelmendi said.
Transitioning to Coaching Alongside Master Kuka
Following her retirement from active competition, Kelmendi remained deeply rooted in the sport. She currently serves as a coach on the staff of master Kuka, passing the accumulated experience of her career on to the next generation of young judokas.
Earlier, Kelmendi turned down a lucrative coaching offer from the United Arab Emirates, choosing instead to stay close to home and continue developing athletes within her established training ecosystem.
