Paris Olympic gold medalist Natsumi Tsunoda revealed during a guest appearance on Bunkyo Broadcasting Corporation’s “Otake Makoto Golden Radio!” that a crushing 13-second defeat at her first-ever national tournament served as the critical turning point in her martial arts journey, Sports Nippon reported. The 34-year-old judoka, who captured the 48kg crown at the 2024 Paris Games utilizing her signature sacrifice throw, reflected on an early career defined by persistent struggles rather than immediate brilliance.
From Crying Child to National Competitor
Tsunoda began practicing judo in the second grade of elementary school at her father’s suggestion. Because weight classes and divisions were combined for boys and girls during her early years, the undersized competitor found regular victories difficult to secure. Frequently reduced to tears, she earned the childhood nickname “Crybaby Natchan” and occasionally hid in the corner of the dojo, falling asleep to avoid practice sessions.
Competition changed when Tsunoda entered middle school, where separate brackets for weight and gender were introduced. As regional losses in the first and second rounds gave way to steady advancement, she claimed a prefectural tournament title that propelled her to the national stage by her second year of middle school.
The Thirteen-Second Defeat That Changed Everything
Entering the national tournament with high expectations, Tsunoda encountered an abrupt reality check against an opponent executing a technique she had not yet learned. The bout ended in just 13 seconds via an ippon-seoi-nage. Recalling the swift elimination, Tsunoda noted that she only knew how to attack while holding both sleeves and collar, leaving her completely vulnerable to the unfamiliar move.
“I was wondering, ‘Why did my hands come loose, and how did she get inside?’ Before I knew it, I was thrown,” Tsunoda said. Upon returning to the sidelines, her middle school judo coach laughed and apologized for not having taught her the technique yet.
Igniting an Unstoppable Quest for Knowledge
Rather than discouraging her, the rapid defeat awakened an intense sense of inquiry. Tsunoda realized that mastering unknown techniques offered a direct pathway to self-improvement. Driven by that revelation, she asked her parents to help orchestrate a transfer to a powerhouse high school program, embarking on three years characterized by an unrelenting, judo-focused daily routine.
That formative dedication underpins the themes of her recently published book, “When Ordinary People Surpass Geniuses: The Preparation Skills Mastered by a Clumsy, Late-Blooming Medalist,” released by KADOKAWA. The publication details the rigorous preparation required for an athlete who spent years working hard without immediate athletic success.
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