Yeldos Smetov

Yeldos Smetov, born on September ninth, nineteen ninety-two, is a distinguished Kazakh judoka who has made history in the world of judo. He achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he clinched the gold medal in the under sixty kilogram weight category. This victory not only marked a personal triumph for Smetov but also made him the first judoka from Kazakhstan and Central Asia to win an Olympic gold medal.

His journey in judo began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks. Smetov secured gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2015 World Championships, showcasing his exceptional talent on the international stage. He continued to excel, winning the 2016 Asian Championships and earning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, followed by a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In addition to his Olympic achievements, Smetov has a strong record in junior competitions, having won gold and bronze medals at the World Juniors Championships in two thousand ten and two thousand eleven, respectively. He joined the adult national team in two thousand twelve and quickly made his mark, earning a bronze medal at the 2013 Asian Championships in Bangkok and a silver at a Grand Prix stage in Samsun.

Throughout his career, Smetov has been guided by his first coach, Akhmet Zhumagulov, who played a pivotal role in his development as an athlete. His dedication and hard work have not only brought him personal accolades but have also inspired a new generation of judokas in Kazakhstan.