Another Paris champion quits, Christa Deguchi

What is going on in judo right now? One by one, big Olympic names are stepping away from the sport. Now it’s another superstar: Olympic champion Christa Deguchi has announced her retirement from international judo.

The Canadian U57kg star leaves the tatami as one of the most successful athletes her country has ever produced. Olympic gold in Paris 2024, two world titles, Pan-American gold and countless IJF World Tour medals tell the story of a fighter who reached the very top.

Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Canadian father, Deguchi made the bold decision to represent Canada in 2017. At first results didn’t come easily, but everything changed when she won the Paris Grand Slam in 2018. From that moment, she believed she could beat anyone.

Her biggest moment came in Paris 2024 when she became Canada’s first Olympic judo champion ever. It was the perfect ending. And maybe that is exactly why she decided to stop.

After the Games she realised something many athletes struggle with: the fire was no longer the same. The weight cuts became harder, the sacrifices heavier. And she wanted to leave on her own terms.

Deguchi also had one of the most famous rivalries in judo with teammate Jessica Klimkait. Their battles pushed both to a higher level. Deguchi even said that rivalry helped her become Olympic champion.

She won’t disappear from judo though. Deguchi wants to stay involved and inspire young athletes.

With Deguchi retiring about 18 months after Paris, she becomes another Olympian closing the Paris chapter. Previously U63kg Olympic Champion Andreja Leski retired,

So the question young fans are starting to ask is simple: Who is next

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