Maki Tsukada

Maki Tsukada, born on January 5, 1982, in Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a distinguished Japanese judoka known for her remarkable achievements in the sport.

Her career reached a pinnacle when she clinched the gold medal in the Women's +78 kg category at the Athens Olympics in 2004. This victory not only showcased her skill but also solidified her status as one of the top competitors in judo.

In addition to her Olympic success, Tsukada earned a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, further demonstrating her consistency and prowess on the international stage. Her journey in competitive judo also includes notable performances at the World Championships.

In September 2003, she secured a silver medal at the World Championships held in Osaka, Japan, followed by a bronze medal in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2005. Her crowning achievement came in 2007 when she won gold at the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking her as a formidable force in the judo community.