Belgium is home to some of the best judo athletes in the world. Many of the top judo players in Belgium have achieved international success in both individual and team competitions.
Some of the most notable judo players in Belgium include Olympic champions Joachim Bottieau, Marc de Loor, and Dirk van Tichelt, as well as world champions Steffen Stegen and Yves Laumans.
These highly accomplished judokas have helped Belgium become a powerhouse in the sport of judo, and their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of judoka.
1. Charline Van Snick
Charline Van Snick is an extremely accomplished judoka from Belgium. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the Women’s Judo 48 kg division.
This was a remarkable accomplishment, considering that the competition was international and the level of talent was very high. In addition to her Olympic success, Van Snick has also earned medals at the European Judo Championships.
In 2010, she won a bronze medal, followed by a silver medal in 2012 and 2013.
Her consistent success at the European Judo Championships demonstrates her natural talent and commitment to the sport. Charline Van Snick is an impressive Belgian judoka who has been successful in both the Olympic and European Judo Championships.
Her bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics is a testament to her talent and dedication as a judoka.
2. Gabriella Willems
Gabriella Willems is a Belgian judoka who achieved great success in her sport in 2020.
She is a silver medalist of the 2020 Judo Grand Slam Düsseldorf, competing in the -70 kg category. This is an impressive accomplishment, as the Judo Grand Slam Düsseldorf is one of the most prestigious judo competitions in the world.
It attracts the best judokas from around the world, so for Gabriella Willems to stand out among them is a testament to her skill and dedication. In the -70 kg weight division, Gabriella Willems faced stiff competition.
She had to defeat numerous opponents in order to make it to the medal podium.
Despite the challenge, she was able to demonstrate her mastery of judo techniques and strategies to outmaneuver her opponents and secure the silver medal. The success of Gabriella Willems is an inspiration to judoka everywhere.
It is a reminder that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to achieve great success in any sport. Her silver medal at the Judo Grand Slam Düsseldorf is a testament to her commitment to excellence and determination to succeed.
3. Ilse Heylen
Ilse Heylen is a Belgian judoka who is best known for her bronze medal-winning performance at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
At the Olympics, the judoka competed in the Half-lightweight category, an event in which she was able to showcase her vast experience and skill.
Heylen had previously won multiple medals in international judo tournaments, which made her a strong contender for the Olympics. At the Olympics, Heylen faced off against some of the best judokas in the world.
She was able to outlast her opponents and eventually come out on top to earn the bronze medal.
Her success at the Olympics was a remarkable achievement and she was praised by both the Belgian and international judo community for her performance. Heylen’s success at the Olympics was not only a great accomplishment for her, but it also brought more attention to the sport of judo in Belgium.
Her medal-winning performance at the Olympics has led to increased interest in judo in Belgium, which has only helped to raise the profile of the sport in the country. This success has also helped to inspire the next generation of judokas in Belgium, many of whom have since gone on to become successful in their own right.
Heylen is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to the sport of judo.
4. Ingrid Berghmans
Ingrid Berghmans, also known as Ingrid Vallot, is a renowned judoka from Belgium. She has achieved remarkable success in the sport and is well-known for having been named Belgian Sportswoman of the Year eight times.
Her accomplishments extend beyond her national recognition, as she is also a former world title holder and Olympic competitor. Ingrid’s success in judo began in the early 2000s, when she was crowned Belgian champion in 2003 and 2004.
She competed in her first Grand Prix in 2004 and won the silver medal in the European Championships in 2005. She continued to excel in judo, winning the title of World Champion in 2006. In 2008, Ingrid was selected to represent Belgium at the Beijing Olympic Games.
She was the first Belgian female judoka to compete at the Olympics and she won the bronze medal in the -63kg category.
Her success at the Olympics earned her the title of Belgian Sportswoman of the Year, an award she would go on to receive seven more times. In 2010, Ingrid earned the gold medal at the European Judo Championships.
She followed this up with a silver medal at the World Judo Championships in 2011. Ingrid Berghmans is an inspiration to aspiring judokas in Belgium and around the world. Her accomplishments have earned her both international recognition and a place in Belgian sporting history.
5. Gella Vandecaveye
Gella Vandecaveye is an elite judoka from Belgium who has competed in four Olympic Games. She is an accomplished athlete, having earned a silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in the women’s half-middleweight category.
At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, she earned a bronze medal in the same category, adding to her impressive medal tally. Vandecaveye is a talented and dedicated judoka, having competed in four Olympic Games and earned two medals.
She is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and judokas everywhere, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
6. Robert Van de Walle
Robert Van de Walle was a Belgian judoka who made history by being the first ever judoka to compete in five Olympics, from 1976 to 1992. He competed in the half-heavyweight category, where he achieved incredible success.
In 1980, he won a gold medal at the Olympic games, displaying his skill and talent.
In 1988, at the age of 34, Van de Walle won a bronze medal, a remarkable feat considering his age. Not only was Van de Walle successful at the Olympics, but he also won European titles in 1980, 1985 and 1986.
His skill and determination to compete and win was unparalleled and it is no surprise that he was able to achieve the success that he did. He was a true innovator in the sport of judo and an inspiration to future judokas.
7. Matthias Casse
Matthias Casse is a remarkable judoka from Belgium who achieved a major milestone in his career in 2020.
He won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics, making him the first Belgian judoka to do so in 34 years. In 2017, Casse made history by becoming the junior world champion in Zagreb. This marked the first time a Belgian male judoka had won the title since Johan Laats in 1986.
His impressive victory highlighted the strength of the Belgian judo program, which had been on a long-term drought since Laats’ win. Casse’s success is all the more remarkable given the amount of competition he faced in the international judo scene.
He had to defeat some of the best judokas in the world to become the junior world champion.
His hard work and dedication paid off, and he was finally able to make Belgium proud with his Olympic medal. Matthias Casse is a great example of how hard work and dedication can help you to achieve success.
He was able to overcome the odds and make history by becoming the first Belgian male judoka to win the junior world championship in 33 years. His success is a testament to the strength of the Belgian judo program and the dedication of its athletes.
8. Jasper Lefevere
Jasper Lefevere is a Belgian judoka who represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He was one of the competitors in the men’s 66 kg event, which he unfortunately did not qualify for.
He was eliminated in the first round of the competition by Zhansay Smagulov, an athlete from Kazakhstan.
Despite not being able to reach the next round, Jasper Lefevere’s participation in the Olympics was a great achievement and a testament to the skill and dedication of the Belgian judoka.
He was an inspiration to his fellow athletes, and his loss was met with a great show of sportsmanship and respect from the other competitors.
9. Sami Chouchi
Sami Chouchi is a Belgian judoka who competes in the –90kg weight category. In 2018, Chouchi achieved a great success by winning a silver medal in the European Judo Championships.
This success has been followed by yet another one in 2022, when Chouchi was able to win one of the bronze medals in the Judo Grand Slam Paris, held in the city of Paris, France.
Chouchi’s accomplishments are a testament to his skill, determination, and hard work, and his success in the tournament circuit is a great source of pride and inspiration for everyone in the Belgian judo community.
10. Jorre Verstraeten
Jorre Verstraeten is a Belgian judoka and a highly accomplished athlete. He has won multiple medals in prestigious international competitions. In 2020 and 2022, he was able to win one of the bronze medals in the men’s 60 kg event at the European Judo Championships.
This achievement is even more impressive considering the level of talent present at the tournament.In 2019, Jorre won one of the bronze medals in the men’s 60 kg event at the European Games in Minsk, Belarus.
This achievement is even more impressive considering the level of competition at the tournament.
The European Games are considered to be the highest level of competition for judo in Europe, and his success in the event is a testament to his skill and determination. Jorre Verstraeten is an example of what determination and hard work can do.
His impressive achievements on the international judo scene demonstrate his commitment to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level.
He is an inspiration to young judokas everywhere and serves as an example of what can be accomplished with dedication and perseverance.
11. Mina Libeer
Mina Libeer is a Belgian judoka, who is currently making waves in the world of judo. She is an extremely talented athlete and has been competing in the sport for many years.
Recently, she achieved a great success by winning the bronze medal at the 2021 Judo Grand Slam Paris in the -57 kg category. This event is one of the most prestigious judo competitions in the world and for Mina to have been able to win a medal is a huge accomplishment.
She has worked hard and dedicated herself to the sport, and her success proves that her hard work has paid off. This achievement is not only a huge milestone for Mina but for Belgium as a whole as it shows that they have a strong judo program and some very talented athletes.
Hopefully, Mina will continue to find success in the future and will be able to inspire other young athletes to pursue their dreams.
12. Dirk Van Tichelt
Dirk Van Tichelt is a highly accomplished Belgian judoka. His greatest achievement came in the same year he competed in the Beijing Olympics when he won the European title in Lisbon.
Unfortunately, Van Tichelt’s Olympic experience was not as successful as his European title, as he was eliminated in the first round by gold-medallist Elnur Mammadli and lost again in the bronze medal match to Rasul Boqiev, ending his Olympic run with a fifth-place finish.
Despite this setback, Van Tichelt has continued to be a major player in the judo world, and his European title is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
13. Cédric Taymans
Cédric Taymans is a Belgian athlete who competes in the sport of judo. Judo is a form of martial arts that originated in Japan and has become popular all around the world.
It is an Olympic sport and is practiced by millions of people in many countries. Taymans began his career as a judoka in 1997. He has won numerous medals in both individual and team events, including two bronze medals at the European Championships.
He has also competed at the World Championships, where he has won several medals. He currently holds the rank of 5th dan black belt, which is the highest rank that a judoka can achieve. Taymans is also a coach and is dedicated to helping young judokas reach their full potential.
He teaches the sport to children and adults alike and is an ambassador for the sport in Belgium. He is a role model for many judokas and his dedication to the sport has resulted in him being recognized as an important figure in the world of judo.
14. Marcel Clause
Marcel Clause was a highly respected figure in the judo world. He was an influential Belgian judo educator, referee and athlete.
His knowledge and experience in the sport was held in high regard and he was even awarded the rank of 8th dan by the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, as only three non-Japanese people have been bestowed this honor.
Clause was a national coach of Belgium, as well as a former international judo athlete. He had a long and successful career in the sport, and his expertise and accomplishments were recognized by the Kodokan Judo Institute.
His legacy as a judo instructor and referee will continue to be remembered, and his dedication to the sport will be an inspiration for generations to come.
15. Joachim Bottieau
Joachim Bottieau is a Belgian judoka who has competed in two Olympic Games. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, he competed in the 81 kg category. In his first bout, he defeated Omar Simmonds Pea.
However, he was unable to carry this momentum through to the second bout, where he was eliminated by Ivan Nifontov. At the 2016 Olympics, Bottieau was unable to make it past the first round, as he was defeated by Matteo Marconcini.
Through his Olympic performances, it is clear that Joachim Bottieau is an impressive and talented judoka.
16. Marisabel Lomba
Marie-Isabelle “Marisabel” Lomba is a Belgian judoka who has achieved great success on the Olympic stage. She achieved a bronze medal in the lightweight class at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
This was a momentous achievement for Lomba as it was her debut performance on the Olympic stage. She was also successful in her second Olympic outing at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Lomba was known for her tireless work ethic and dedication to the sport of judo.
Her commitment to the sport was rewarded with a prestigious Olympic medal. Lomba’s success highlights the importance of discipline and hard work as she achieved success on the world stage.
Her legacy as an Olympic medalist will always be remembered and her example should be followed by aspiring judokas.
17. Johan Laats
Johan Laats is a judoka from Belgium. He is a highly accomplished athlete, having competed in three Olympic Games. Laats first participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He then went on to compete in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
Finally, Laats rounded out his Olympic career with a heroic performance in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. His impressive record of three Olympic appearances is a testament to his dedication and hard work as a judoka.
Laats is an exemplary athlete who has proven himself to be a competitor of the highest caliber.
18. Koen Sleeckx
Koen Sleeckx is a Belgian athlete who has excelled in the sport of judo. He is a highly decorated athlete, having won a variety of medals in international competitions.
Sleeckx is also a six-time Belgian champion, winning the title a total of six times from 2009 to 2014. He began his judo career in the late 1990s, competing at the age of 16 in his first international competition.
Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful judoka in Belgian history.
Sleeckx has competed in more than 40 international tournaments and won medals at the European Judo Championships, the World Judo Championships, and the Grand Prix. Sleeckx is also an accomplished coach, having coached the Belgian national judo team since 2014.
He has been credited with helping to develop many of Belgium’s top judoka, including current world number one, Dirk van Tichelt.
Under Sleeckx’s guidance, the Belgian team has achieved great success, winning numerous medals at international events. Koen Sleeckx is a true ambassador for the sport of judo, having achieved great success both as an athlete and a coach.
He is a role model for aspiring Belgian judoka, and his achievements serve as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
19. Elco van der Geest
Elco van der Geest is a judoka who was born in the Netherlands but has competed on behalf of the Dutch team in international competitions.
In August 2009, Elco accepted an offer to join the Belgian team and subsequently achieved Belgian citizenship just before the 2009 World Judo Championships in Rotterdam.
His decision to switch teams allowed him to compete on behalf of Belgium, as he had not previously held Belgian citizenship. Throughout his career, Elco had earned a number of accolades, including the gold medal at the European Judo Championships in 2007.
He continued to compete in international events representing the Netherlands until he accepted the offer to join the Belgian team.
After gaining Belgian citizenship, Elco was able to compete as part of the Belgian team at the 2009 World Judo Championships in Rotterdam. Elco’s decision to switch teams was not an easy one, as it meant leaving behind the team and country that he had represented for so long.
However, he was determined to take on the challenge and represent Belgium, and his decision was rewarded with success at the 2009 World Judo Championship.
Elco’s determination to succeed was admirable and his story serves as an example of how dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
20. Daniel Guldemont
Daniel Guldemont is a Belgian judoka who achieved international recognition for his participation in the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. He competed in the men’s middleweight event during the Olympics, which saw competitors from all over the world competing in judo.
Guldemont is known for his hard work and dedication to the sport, as he trained tirelessly in order to compete at the highest level. His commitment to judo is evident in the fact that he was able to compete in the Olympics, despite his small size.
Guldemont’s performance at the 1976 Olympics was impressive, and he earned recognition for his efforts. Although he did not win any medals, his participation at the Olympic Games is an indication of his skill and dedication to the sport.
Guldemont’s legacy continues to live on in the judo world today, and his achievements serve as an inspiration to many aspiring judokas.
21. Ulla Werbrouck
Ulla Werbrouck is a Belgian former politician and judoka who achieved great success in her career. She won a gold medal in Judo at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the women’s half-heavyweight category.
After retiring from competitive judo, she moved into politics and joined the right-liberal List Dedecker party in January 2007. This party was established by her former trainer, Jean-Marie Dedecker.
Werbrouck had a great deal of respect for Dedecker, and her decision to join his party was likely a result of their close relationship. Werbrouck’s success in judo was remarkable, and she is remembered as one of the leading figures in her sport.
Her gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics was a testament to her skill as a judoka and her determination to succeed. After retiring from competitive judo, she moved into politics and joined the right-liberal List Dedecker party.
This was a significant move, as it demonstrated her commitment to making a difference in her country. Werbrouck’s accomplishments in judo and her decision to enter politics reflect her ambition and dedication.
She is an inspiration to many, and her story is an example of how one can succeed in the face of adversity. Ulla Werbrouck is a true example of what hard work and determination can achieve.
22. Toma Nikiforov
Toma Nikiforov is an elite judoka from Belgium who competes in the under 100 kg weight class. In 2015, he achieved remarkable success, earning bronze medals at both the World Championships and the European Games.
The following year, he placed second at the European Championships, but his performance at the Rio Olympics was less successful, as he was eliminated in the second bout.
Despite this setback, Nikiforov has demonstrated that he is one of the most successful judokas in the world, and his future accomplishments will likely be equally impressive.
23. Amélie Rosseneu
Amélie Rosseneu is a former judoka and coach who has a unique background. She is both Belgian and Israeli, making her a truly international athlete.
In 2012, Rosseneu achieved a remarkable feat when she won the gold medal at the Judo Grand Prix Qingdao while competing for Belgium.
This feat was made even more impressive by the fact that she was able to do it in an international competition, showing her commitment to excellence and her ability to perform on a global stage.
Rosseneu’s success has been an inspiration to many young judokas, as she has shown them that it is possible to succeed in the sport no matter where you come from or what your background is.
Her performance in Qingdao also marked a major milestone for Belgium, as it was the first time a Belgian judoka had won a gold medal in an international competition.
Amélie Rosseneu is a true trailblazer in the world of judo and her success is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
24. Heidi Rakels
Heidi Rakels is a female retired judoka from Belgium. She is most well-known for her success in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, where she earned a bronze medal in the Women’s Middleweight division.
In the bronze medal match, she faced off against Germany’s Alexandra Schreiber and emerged victorious. Rakels’ determination and skill in judo also earned her a spot in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, although she did not earn any medals.
Her legacy as a judoka lives on, as she is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
25. Harry Van Barneveld
Harry Van Barneveld is a renowned Belgian former judoka who earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight category at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. His greatest achievement, however, was winning the 1992 Kano Cup.
This victory was a historic one, as it was the first time that a non-Japanese judoka had won the cup. This accomplishment put Van Barneveld in the spotlight and showed the world that non-Japanese judokas could compete at the highest level.
Van Barneveld’s success in the Kano Cup helped pave the way for other non-Japanese judokas to take part in international competitions and earn medals.
His victory was a major step forward for international judo and opened the door for more non-Japanese judokas to compete and find success on the world stage.
26. Catherine Jacques
Catherine Jacques is a highly accomplished judoka from Belgium. She has competed in the middleweight category and has achieved great success in her career. She is a multiple-time national champion, having won multiple championships in her weight class.
Furthermore, she has won a total of four bronze medals at the European Judo Championships, making her one of the most successful judokas in this category. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of judo.
She is an inspiration to many young athletes and a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
27. Felix De Smedt
Felix De Smedt was a pioneering figure in the Belgian judo scene, as he is credited with introducing the sport to Belgium. It was in January 1941 that he began his formal judo studies in Berlin, making him the first Belgian to have done so.
This was a remarkable feat for the time, as judo was relatively new and uncommon in the country. De Smedt’s studies in Berlin helped him to gain a better understanding of the sport and its rules.
He was able to apply his knowledge to his practice at home in Belgium, and this in turn allowed him to help spread judo to others in the country.
By doing so, he was able to help grow the sport and make it more mainstream in Belgium. In addition to introducing judo to Belgium, De Smedt was also an important figure in the development of the sport.
He was a renowned judo teacher, and he helped to create the Belgian Judo Federation in 1944.
This was a major milestone for the sport in the country, and it helped to ensure that judo would become a fixture in Belgium for many years to come.Felix De Smedt’s contributions to the development of judo in Belgium cannot be understated.
His pioneering efforts were instrumental in introducing the sport to the country, and his dedication helped to ensure its growth and success. His legacy as the first Belgian to study judo in Berlin will surely be remembered for many years to come.
28. Daniel Outelet
Daniël Outelet is a legendary figure in the world of judo. He is the first Belgian judoka to achieve great success internationally and is the only male Belgian judoka to have won four individual European judo titles.
This is a remarkable feat and a testament to Outelet’s skill and dedication to the sport. Outelet’s success has been the result of many years of hard work and dedication to the sport. He began training at a young age and quickly developed a passion for judo.
He represented Belgium at the European Championships multiple times in his career and each time he was determined to do his best.
His efforts were rewarded, as he won four European titles over the course of his career. His success has been inspirational to other Belgian judokas and has helped to put Belgium on the judo map.
Outelet’s legacy has been maintained by the rising number of Belgian judokas who have gone on to represent their country on the international stage.
His successes have also brought attention to Belgium’s judo program, and have helped to attract more funding and support from the government. Daniël Outelet’s accomplishments have made him a true legend in the world of judo.
He has inspired many other judokas to pursue the same level of excellence and success that he achieved. His legacy will live on for many years to come, as his success has brought much needed attention to the sport of judo in Belgium.
29. Daan De Cooman
Daan De Cooman is a Belgian judoka, a type of martial art. He is a master of the sport and has been training for many years. He has competed in a number of competitions and has won several medals. This includes a bronze medal at the European Judo Championships in 2016.
He is also an active coach and has trained many judokas in the past. De Cooman’s style of judo is very technical and he focuses on technique, timing and strategy. He has a great eye for detail and is able to spot the weaknesses in his opponents.
He is also a strong believer in discipline and respect, which he strives to instill in his students. De Cooman has a great passion for judo and hopes to continue his success in the sport. He is a true inspiration to those who are looking to learn the art of judo.
Conclusion
Belgium is home to some of the best judo players in the world. These players have achieved great success in international competitions, and have cemented Belgium’s position as one of the top judo countries in the world.
With the support of the Belgian Judo Federation, these athletes have been able to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Belgium is indeed one of the best judo nations in the world, and the players from this country will continue to make their mark in the sport.
