Venezuela is home to some of the best judo players in the world. The country has produced Olympic medalists, world champions, and a host of other great judo athletes. From Olympians to world champions, the Venezuelan judo community is full of talent.
This article will provide an overview of some of the best judo players from Venezuela, highlighting some of the greatest athletes the country has to offer.
1. Elvismar Rodríguez
Elvismar Rodríguez Ruiz is a judoka from Venezuela who participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
At the 2016 Olympics, she competed in the Women’s 70 kg competition and unfortunately lost to Antónia Moreira of Angola in the first round via ippon.
Ippon is a judo term which represents one athlete scoring an instantaneous win over the other athlete, resulting in the end of the match.
Despite her loss in the 2016 Olympics, Elvismar Rodríguez Ruiz persevered and went on to compete in the Women’s 70 kg event at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
It is an admirable feat that she was able to compete in two Olympic Games, and is a testament to her dedication to the sport of judo.
2. Katty Santaella
Katty Santaella is a Venezuelan judoka, an athlete who specializes in the martial art of judo. She is a nationally renowned athlete in her home country of Venezuela, and has represented her nation at the Olympic Games.
In 1996, Santaella competed in the women’s half-lightweight judo event at the Atlanta Summer Olympics. Her participation in the Olympics marked a major milestone for Venezuelan judo, as she became the first Venezuelan woman to ever compete in the judo event at the Olympics.
Santaella’s performance at the 1996 Olympics was impressive, as she made it to the fourth round of the competition before being eliminated. Her impressive performance made her a national hero in Venezuela, as she was seen as a symbol of hope and perseverance for the nation.
Santaella has since gone on to become a successful judo coach and mentor, inspiring the next generation of judokas from her home country.
3. Kilmar Campos
Kilmar Campos is a Venezuelan judoka who had the opportunity to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics. Judo is a martial art sport that involves grappling techniques, throws, and submission holds.
Kilmar was among the many athletes who participated in the men’s half-middleweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His participation in the event showcased the skill and dedication that he had for judo.
He was able to compete at the highest level of the sport and had a chance to bring honor to his country. Kilmar’s efforts have been an inspiration to other Venezuelan judokas and those who are looking to compete in the Olympics.
His hard work and commitment to the sport have been an example to future generations of judokas.
4. Ysis Barreto
Ysis Lenis Barreto Rodríguez is a Venezuelan judoka, or martial artist, who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport.
She is a highly decorated competitor, having won medals at the Pan American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, South American Games, and the World Championships.
She is also the Venezuelan National Champion in judo and was the first Venezuelan to qualify for the Olympic Games. Ysis Lenis Barreto Rodríguez began her judo career at the age of 8, and her hard work and dedication paid off as she quickly rose to the top of the sport.
She has been a member of the Venezuelan National Team since 1998. She is a very experienced judoka, having competed in numerous international tournaments.
Her most notable successes have been in the Pan American Games, where she has won 2 gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal.
She has also won multiple gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games, South American Games, and World Championships. Ysis Lenis Barreto Rodríguez is a great ambassador for the sport of judo.
She is an inspiration to many young judokas, and her success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that she puts into the sport. She is a true role model, and her achievements have helped to spread the popularity of judo in Venezuela and around the world.
5. Anriquelis Barrios
Anriquelis Barrios is a Venezuelan judoka who has achieved great success in her sport. She is the proud gold medalist of the women’s 63 kg event at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
She has also won a silver medal in her event at the Pan American Games and Pan American Judo Championships. Her accomplishments demonstrate her dedication and passion for the sport of judo. Barrios’ success in her event has earned her international recognition.
She has been praised for her remarkable performance and for her commitment to the sport of judo.
Other than her success at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games and Judo Championships, she has also competed in various other local and international tournaments.
She has developed a strong reputation in the judo community, due to her excellent performances in competitions. Barrios is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Her achievements are an inspiration to all aspiring judokas and athletes around the world. Her commitment and determination to excel in her sport is something that many can learn from and be motivated by.
6. Richard Leon
Richard Leon Vizcaya is a talented judoka from Venezuela, who competes in the lightweight category. He has achieved great success throughout his career, most notably winning two bronze medals at two separate Pan American Judo Championships.
In 2006, Richard won a bronze medal for the 73 kg class at the Pan American Judo Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two years later, in 2008, he won another bronze medal for the 81 kg class of the same championship, this time held in Miami, Florida.
Richard’s achievements serve to demonstrate the hard work and dedication that he puts into his judo career. His success has also helped to put Venezuela on the map when it comes to world judo, and his medals are a testament to his ambition and skill.
7. Hermágoras Manglés
Hermágoras Manglés is a Venezuelan judoka, a martial art and Olympic sport that combines standing and grappling techniques. Manglés competed in the men’s half-middleweight event at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
This event is for athletes between 81 and 90 kilograms in weight and is one of the seven weight divisions in judo. Manglés’ journey to the 2000 Summer Olympics was a long and arduous one.
He began training in judo at the age of 14, and by the time he was 18, he had earned a spot on the Venezuelan national team. His hard work and dedication paid off when, at the age of 20, he qualified for the Olympics.
At the Olympics, Manglés was one of 81 judokas competing in the men’s half-middleweight event. He sadly did not medal, but he did manage to make it to the round of 16. This is an impressive achievement for any athlete, and Manglés should be proud of his accomplishment.
Manglés’ success in the Olympics was a source of great pride for his fellow Venezuelans. His story of hard work and perseverance inspired many people and showed them that with enough dedication, anything is possible.
Manglés’ Olympic journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and an example of how far you can go if you never give up.
8. Leonel Wilfredo Ruiz
Leonel Wilfredo Ruíz Carmona is a Venezuelan judoka who specializes in the men’s heavyweight category. He has achieved great success in his career and has won a gold medal in the over-100 kg division at the 2004 Pan American Championships which took place on Margarita Island.
This accomplishment is especially impressive because it was achieved on his home soil. He was also given the honor of representing his nation, Venezuela, at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
This is a great achievement and is a testament to the dedication and hard work that Leonel has put into his judo career. He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike and is a great example of what can be achieved when one puts their mind to it.
9. Luís Gregorio López
Luís Gregorio López is a Venezuelan judoka who has competed at the highest level. He participated in the 2000 Summer Olympics in the men’s half-heavyweight event. He was one of the few athletes from Venezuela to participate in the Olympics.
During his event, he faced some of the best judokas in the world. Despite this, he managed to hold his own and was ultimately able to gain valuable experience from the competition. His performance in the 2000 Olympics is a testament to his skill and determination.
Despite the odds, he was able to reach the highest level of competition and prove himself as a formidable opponent. Luís Gregorio López has achieved great success in the sport of judo and is highly respected in the Venezuelan judo community.
10. Jose Camacho
José Gregorio Camacho Lascarro is an impressive Venezuelan judoka. He is a two-time Olympian, having competed in the middleweight category.
His impressive career also includes three medals at the Pan American Judo Championships and a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He is an incredibly talented judoka who has made his country proud. His career achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Over the years he has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, having won numerous medals at the Pan American Judo Championships and the Pan American Games.
His bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games was particularly impressive, as it was the first medal won by his country in judo. José Gregorio Camacho Lascarro is an inspiration to aspiring judokas everywhere.
He has worked hard to reach the top of his sport and his success is something to be proud of. He is a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve in the world of judo.
11. Xiomara Griffith
Xiomara Yolanda Griffith Mahon is an impressive athlete from Venezuela. She is a female judoka, a martial art which incorporates grappling techniques. Griffith has been representing her native country, Venezuela, in Summer Olympics since 1992.
She has achieved a remarkable feat of being part of the Summer Olympics for three consecutive years. Aside from her remarkable accomplishments in the Summer Olympics, Griffith has also won a total of three medals at the Pan American Games in the 1990s.
This is a testament to her dedication and commitment to her sport. She has proven that she is a formidable athlete and her success is a source of pride for Venezuelans. Griffith is an inspirational figure for young athletes in Venezuela and the entire world.
She continues to be a role model for aspiring judokas and athletes in general. Her remarkable accomplishments continue to be an inspiration to others and a reminder that hard work and dedication can take you to great heights.
12. Albeny Rosales
Albenis Antonio Rosales is a Venezuelan judoka who competes in the half-heavyweight category. He achieved success at the 2008 Pan American Judo Championships in Miami, Florida, where he won a bronze medal.
Rosales’ performance at the event was a milestone for Venezuelan judo, as it marked the first time a Venezuelan judoka had won a medal at the Pan American Judo Championships. Since then, Rosales has continued to compete and is now one of the top judokas in Venezuela.
His success at the 2008 championships is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
13. Karen León
Karen León is a Venezuelan judoka who has had a great deal of success in the sport. She recently won one of the bronze medals in the women’s 78 kg event at the 2020 Pan American Judo Championships, which was held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
This was an impressive accomplishment given the level of competition she faced. In 2019, Karen León also competed in the women’s 78 kg event at the Pan American Games, which was held in Lima, Peru.
Although she did not win a medal at this event, she displayed great skill and determination, placing her in the top-level of judokas in the region. Karen León is clearly a talented judoka, and her success in the Pan American Judo Championships and the Pan American Games is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She is an inspiration to many and will no doubt continue to be successful in the future.
14. Keivi Pinto
Keivi Mayerlin Pinto is a prominent athlete from Venezuela. She is a judoka, which is a form of martial art that focuses on grappling and throwing. In 2003, she competed in the women’s half-heavyweight division at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
After a hard-fought battle, Pinto emerged victorious with the bronze medal. Her accomplishment is a testament to her skill and dedication to her sport. Pinto’s success at the Pan American Games is an extraordinary achievement.
It is a remarkable feat for any athlete, but even more so for one from Venezuela. It is a testament to her hard work and determination to reach her goals. She has become an inspiration to others, showing them that anything is possible if you put in the effort.
Pinto’s success has been celebrated throughout the judo community. She is an example of what can be accomplished through dedication to one’s craft. Her success is not only a victory for Venezuela but for all judokas around the world.
Her story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, success can be achieved through hard work and determination.
15. Giovanna Blanco
Giovanna José Blanco Bazon is a talented judoka from Venezuela. She achieved great success in 2003 during the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She competed in the women’s heavyweight division and managed to win a silver medal.
This impressive feat was evidence of her skill and determination, and she was rightly proud of the accomplishment. Giovanna José Blanco Bazon is an inspiration to many. She is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off.
Not only did she win a silver medal, but she also showed that women can compete at the highest levels of judo and succeed. This is an example of what is possible when one puts their mind to something and puts in the effort.
In a time when Venezuelan athletes are facing challenging economic and political issues, Giovanna José Blanco Bazon is a shining example of what can be achieved. She is an inspiration to those who seek to reach their goals no matter the obstacles that may be in their way.
Her success is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and to the power of perseverance.
16. María Villapol
María Elena Villapol Blanca is a retired female judoka from Venezuela. She was an Olympic athlete who represented her home country at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
She entered the Women’s Extra-Lightweight division in judo and made it to the quarterfinals, however, she was eliminated before the semi-finals.
Despite her loss, María Elena was proud to have represented Venezuela at the Olympic games and to have made it so far in the competition. She dedicated her life to judo and trained hard to make it to the Olympics.
Though she may not have won a medal, María Elena is still a champion for having achieved her dream.
17. Francis Gómez
Francis Gómez is a former Venezuelan judoka who had the opportunity to represent her home country at the 1996 Summer Olympics. She was a competitor in the Women’s Half-Heavyweight division and was able to make it as far as the semifinals.
Unfortunately, she was unable to advance to the finals, as she was defeated by France’s Estha Essombe. Her journey to the Olympic Games was no doubt a long and difficult one.
In order to compete at the highest level, she had to spend countless hours training and perfecting her technique. She also had to prove her worth in various tournaments in order to qualify for the Olympics.
Despite her hard work and dedication, she was ultimately defeated in the semifinals and unable to make it to the finals. The 1996 Summer Olympics was a unique experience for Francis Gómez.
Though she ultimately did not win a medal, it was still a great honor to compete for her country and be part of the Olympics. Her story is an inspiring one that reminds us that hard work and dedication can take us far, even if we don’t end up with the desired result.
18. Javier Guédez
Javier Antonio Guédez Sánchez is a male judoka from Venezuela who has achieved great success in his sport. At the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he won the bronze medal in the extra lightweight division.
He was also invited to represent his native country at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, PR China and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Guédez Sanchez is a great example of a dedicated athlete who has strived to reach his goals and make his country proud.
He is an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
19. Ricardo Valderrama
Ricardo Valderrama is a Venezuelan judoka. He is a highly decorated athlete, having earned many accolades throughout his career.
He is a two-time Pan American Championships gold medalist, a two-time South American Championships gold medalist, and a two-time Bolivarian Games gold medalist. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, he was chosen to represent his country in the Men’s 66 kg category.
Unfortunately, he was defeated in the second round of competition, failing to medal at the Olympics. Despite this setback, Valderrama has proven himself to be a fierce competitor, and his impressive career accomplishments are a testament to his skill and dedication.
20. Rudymar Fleming
Rudymar Fleming Pernil is a highly accomplished judoka hailing from Venezuela. She achieved great success at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where she won a silver medal in the women’s lightweight division.
This impressive accomplishment was a testament to Pernil’s hard work and dedication to the sport. In 2004, Pernil had the honor of representing her native country of Venezuela at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
This was a fantastic achievement that demonstrated the level of respect and admiration Pernil had earned in the judo world. Despite not medalling at the Olympics, Pernil’s appearance was a testament to the excellence she had achieved in her career.
Throughout her career, Rudymar Fleming Pernil has been a highly respected judoka and has been an inspiration to many. Her success at the 2003 Pan American Games and her appearance at the 2004 Olympics show the level of dedication and hard work she has put into her sport.
She is a true testament to the power of determination and hard work.
21. Willis García
Willis Bernardo García García is a retired male judoka hailing from Venezuela. He achieved success in his sport in 1991 when he won the bronze medal in the Men’s Flyweight division at the Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba.
This was a huge accomplishment for García, especially since he was competing against other experienced judoka from Brazil, including Sumio Tsujimoto. With his win, García became the first Venezuelan to ever medal in judo at the Pan American Games.
This remarkable feat is a testament to the dedication and skill of this talented judoka.
22. Reiver Alvarenga
David Alvarenga Domínguez is an accomplished judoka from Venezuela. He has achieved tremendous success in his sport, winning the bronze medal in the men’s extra lightweight division at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
This impressive feat is only one part of Alvarenga Domínguez’s impressive career. He has represented his native country in two consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 2000. This demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his commitment to his home country.
Alvarenga Domínguez has become an inspiring example for aspiring judokas around the world. His accomplishments continue to be celebrated, as he continues to strive for excellence in his sport.
23. Flor Velázquez
Flor Angela Velázquez Artahona is a remarkable athlete from Venezuela. She is a female judoka, a martial art that combines throws, grappling, submissions, and striking techniques.
At the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she won the bronze medal in the women’s half lightweight division.
This impressive achievement was a great testament to her skill and dedication as a judoka. Velázquez Artahona continued to pursue her passion for the sport of judo and went on to represent her native country in two consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 2004.
This is an incredible accomplishment, as only a select few athletes have the dedication and commitment required to compete at the Olympic level.
Her hard work and determination to reach the highest levels in judo have earned her a great deal of respect in the athletic community.
24. Jackelin Díaz
Jackelin Díaz is a retired Venezuelan judoka who had an impressive career in the sport. She is most well-known for representing her country at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1976 and started learning judo at an early age.
She quickly rose through the ranks in the sport, becoming a national champion in 1995. Díaz went on to compete in numerous international tournaments, including the World Championships in 1995 and 1997.
She also won two gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 1998 and 2002. Her most impressive accomplishment, however, was competing in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
She was the first female judoka from Venezuela to do so, and she made it all the way to the quarterfinals before being eliminated. After the 2000 Olympics, Díaz continued to compete in various tournaments around the world.
She retired in 2006 after winning a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships. Today, she is still involved in the sport as a coach, and she is a respected member of the judo community.
Jackelin Díaz is an incredible example of what hard work, dedication, and determination can achieve.
Conclusion
Venezuela has some of the best judo players in the world, who have won numerous international medals and titles. They have demonstrated excellence in the sport, and their dedication and hard work have enabled them to reach the top of the judo world.
Their success is an inspiration to aspiring judo players worldwide, and their commitment to the sport is admirable.
