World Ranking Leader U52kg Distria Krasniqi

Distria Krasniqi, affectionately known as “Disi”, remains one of the most consistent forces in women’s judo. The Kosovan star, Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020 at U48kg, has successfully established herself among the elite at U52kg and finished 2025 as the leader of the IJF World Ranking.

Krasniqi’s career began with a breakthrough as junior world champion in 2015, a moment she still considers decisive. “Winning the junior worlds made me believe in myself,” she once reflected. From there, the medals kept coming. She captured Olympic gold in Tokyo and added bronze at the Paris 2024 Games. On the world stage she has also secured bronze medals in 2019 and 2022 before reaching the World Championships final for the first time in Budapest in 2025.

Her success has also been marked by dominance at continental level. Krasniqi claimed European titles in 2021, 2024 and 2025 and has been a regular presence on the podium for more than a decade. Grand Slam victories in Paris and triumphs at the IJF Masters have further cemented her reputation as one of the most reliable performers on the World Judo Tour.

Despite the achievements, Krasniqi approaches each season with the same mindset. She resets after every competition, regardless of the result. “It does not matter if I win gold at the Olympics or Europeans,” she says. “I start again from the beginning and give one hundred percent.”

Guided by coach Driton Kuka, Krasniqi continues to thrive on the tatami. For Disi, the secret remains simple: hard work, patience and a genuine love for competing.

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