Japan’s Judo Star: Natsumi Tsunoda’s Rise⁣ to ⁢Glory

Japan ​made ⁤history at the Paris Olympics,⁢ securing ⁢20 gold medals, the most‌ ever won at an overseas competition. Among the Japanese athletes who left a ​lasting impression is judoka Natsumi Tsunoda, who‍ won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg‍ judo class.

Tsunoda’s victory was marked by her impressive Tomoe-nage throw, which she used to defeat her ‍opponents. In the mixed team ⁢final against France, she faced Cizik, who won the bronze medal in the⁢ 57 kg class, and won by ippon with a‍ brilliant Tomoe-nage throw.

“Even if I know it’s coming, I can’t stop it,” said a Japanese ‍athlete, highlighting⁣ the power of Tsunoda’s special ‍technique.

The⁤ true value of Tsunoda’s skills lies in‌ the combination of her techniques, including ground techniques and⁢ joint techniques, ⁣especially the armbar. These skills ⁤have been praised in ​the past and were on ⁣full ​display in Paris.

Tsunoda’s⁣ Rise to ​Prominence

When Tsunoda was in the 52kg class, there were three strong candidates for the Tokyo Olympic team. These athletes were ⁤considered‌ the successors to Nakamura Misato, who had been the leading figure in this class for ⁢many years.

They included Shishime Ai, who has a long​ list of achievements, ⁢Abe Uta, who has shown remarkable growth, and​ Tsunoda,‌ who has emerged‌ as a leader after entering the‍ workforce.

A ​Japanese Athlete’s Testimony

A Japanese athlete in ‍the same weight class said,​ “I was on ⁢guard,⁢ but…”⁤ when facing Tsunoda. In his second year as a ‍professional, Tsunoda faced off against two strong players and won at the​ Grand Slam Tokyo in‍ December 2016, garnering‌ a lot of attention.

Shishime faced Tsunoda in the semi-finals, ‌where he was defeated ‌by armbar ‌in a battle of ground techniques. “I was wary⁣ of Tsunoda’s characteristics,” he said.

The following year, Shishime won the World Championships, ⁢but‌ in April⁣ 2018, he lost‍ to Tsunoda in the⁢ final of⁢ the All-Japan Weight Class Championships with a Tomoe Nage ‍throw.

“I was wary⁤ of being⁤ hit with a Tomoe-nage ⁢so I went on the defensive and ‌wasn’t able to take the initiative,” Shishime said, expressing his disappointment.

Abe Uta’s Experience

Abe ⁤Uta had​ actually lost ‍three games⁣ in a row to Tsunoda in the past. Despite being aware of Tsunoda’s ⁤strengths, Abe Uta was unable to overcome her.