Judoka Rima Bourihane shifted to the under-52 kg weight class after a two-year podium drought, launching an international run that placed her inside the global top ten, La Revue reported.
The Terrebonne athlete stepped away from the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning at under-57 kg. Lacking domestic podium finishes in that heavier division, she dropped down in weight and began competing outside Canada this year.
“It’s my second year in this category, but the first year I am competing on the international scene,” Bourihane told La Revue. “It’s going super well. Right now, I am on Canada’s national team.”
Bourihane Ranks Among Top Ten Judokas Worldwide
Bourihane sits among the top ten judokas in the International Judo Federation’s under-52 kg world rankings, remaining the only Canadian inside the top 50 in her weight division. In March, she collected bronze at the Junior European Cup in Portimão, Portugal, during her second appearance in Europe.
She added a silver medal at the Junior European Cup in Paks, Hungary, in July. On Nov. 7 and 8, she claimed junior gold and senior silver at the Pan American Open in Montreal.
“These are several small results that motivate me and make me believe in my goals if I continue to work and train hard,” Bourihane said. “The fact that I stepped onto podiums at competitions this year allowed me to be selected for the World Junior Judo Championships. It’s really my greatest pride for the moment.”
Bourihane Trains for the 2028 Summer Olympics
Bourihane trains at the Ippon Judo Centre, crediting her coaches and family for the backing behind her rise toward the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“Honestly, my goal at the beginning wasn’t the Olympics,” Bourihane told La Revue. “I had never participated in tournaments on the international scene and Canada isn’t necessarily a dominant country in judo. In Europe, they are all extremely strong. The best way to improve is to go to Europe and do competitions and training there.”
Financial Support Through FACE
Bourihane and coach Antoine Bouchard received 2026 Petro-Canada FACE Program grants of $5,000 each to offset competitive expenses before athletes qualify for government funding.
“To know that with this grant, they believe in me and my future in judo, at the Olympics and all that, is really touching,” Bourihane told La Revue. “Obviously, it helps me a lot. The competitions that my coach and I go to cost extremely expensive. Sometimes it costs up to $5,000 for a simple two-week trip to Europe. I am very grateful to have received this grant.”
