Judo World Champion Huh Mi-mi to Compete for South Korea at Paris Olympics
In a captivating turn of events, Judo world champion Huh Mi-mi, who was born and raised in Japan, will be representing South Korea at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision to switch citizenship was made to honor the wishes of her late grandmother and embrace her Korean roots.
Three years ago, Huh made the bold move to give up her Japanese citizenship and relocate to South Korea for training, despite barely speaking the language at the time. The 21-year-old athlete recently clinched the world title in the -57kg category, a remarkable achievement that has fueled her determination to succeed even further.
Huh’s motivation stems not only from her newfound family history but also from the loving memory of her grandmother, who encouraged her to compete for South Korea if she ever made it to the Olympics. This sentimental connection continues to drive Huh as she divides her time between studying sports science at Waseda University in Tokyo and training with South Korea’s elite athletes.
Known for her impeccable balance and control on the mat, Huh has emerged as a rising superstar in the world of judo. Her recent victory over double world champion Christa Deguchi has strengthened her self-confidence, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at the Paris Olympics.
Drawing inspiration from fellow Japanese-born judoka An Chang-rim, who found success competing for South Korea, Huh remains focused on achieving her Olympic dream. With a resilient spirit and unwavering dedication, Huh Mi-mi embodies the true essence of a champion, poised to make her mark on the global stage in Paris.
