Japanese Judo Siblings Who Won Golds at Tokyo Olympics Vow to Defend Titles in Paris

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:24 JST, June 6, 2024

Judo siblings Hifumi and Uta Abe, who both won golds at the Tokyo Olympics say they are ready to defend their titles at the upcoming Paris Games.

Hifumi, 26, won the men’s 66-kilogram title in Tokyo, while 23-year-old Uta won in the women’s 52-kilogram class.

The siblings spoke at a send-off party organized by their employer Park24 Co., a parking facility operator based in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Elementary and junior high school children who train at the company’s judo hall were on hand to encourage the siblings by handing them messages and bouquets of flowers.

“I’d like to fulfill my goal of winning the title for sure and bring back gold medals with my sister again,” Hifumi said.

“I want to shine most brightly at the Paris Games,” said Uta. “I will give my best in each bout.”

Other members of the company’s judo club have also qualified for Paris, including Aaron Wolf, who is the defending Olympic Champion in the men’s 100-kilogram class.