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Korean Judo Sensation Ho Mimi Secures Second Straight World University Games Gold

Back-to-Back Victory for Korean Powerhouse

Korean judo sensation Ho Mimi (23, Gyeongbuk Athletics) has once again asserted her dominance on the world stage, claiming her second consecutive gold medal at the 2025 Line Rules World University Games Summer Tournament. In a thrilling display of skill and power, Ho Mimi defeated Hungary’s Rosa Guiertias in the women’s 57kg final at Messe-essen-halle in Essen, Germany, using her signature back throw to secure victory.

Regaining Confidence After Injury Struggles

After winning the tournament in Chengdu two years ago, Ho Mimi faced a challenging period due to shoulder treatment and rehabilitation. Speaking after her victory, Ho Mimi expressed her relief at regaining her confidence: **”I’m happy to have achieved my second consecutive victory. Since last year’s Paris Olympics, my sense of match had been significantly reduced due to my shoulder treatment and rehabilitation, but with this victory, I’ve regained my confidence.”**

Preparing for the Asian Games in Nagoya

With this tournament now behind her, Ho Mimi is looking ahead to next year’s Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Recognizing the need to adapt her playing style, she plans to focus on developing new techniques and irregular styles to maintain her edge: **”My biggest goal is to win the gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan next year. To do this, I have to acquire new techniques and irregular styles than I have now. I’m putting in a lot of effort.”**

From Promising Prospect to Korean JudoIcon

Ho Mimi, a Korean judo national team player, was once considered one of Japan’s most promising prospects. However, she left Japan in 2022 to compete for Korea, driven by her grandmother’s wish for her to represent her homeland. Initially gaining attention as a descendant of independence activist Professor Ho Seok, Ho Mimi has since cemented her status as a leading player in Korean sports, winning a gold medal at the World Judo Championships last year and securing silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bridging Korea and Japan through Sports

Born and raised in Japan, Ho Mimi tells her manager and coach Kim Jong-hoon that she hopes to serve as a bridge between Korea and Japan through her athletic achievements. She is eager to learn more about her Korean heritage and contribute to friendly relations between the two nations.

Looking Ahead

This year marks significant anniversaries for both countries, with the 80th anniversary of the revival of light and the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. As Ho Mimi continues to inspire fans around the world, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: winning gold at the Nagoya Asian Games.

Did you know?

Ho Mimi’s father is Korean, and her mother is Japanese. She learned to speak both Korean and Japanese as a child, helping her to adapt quickly to her new life in Korea.

Pro Tip

Ho Mimi attributes her success to her relentless training regiment. She encourages aspiring athletes to stay dedicated and never miss a day of practice.

FAQs

When will the Nanjing Asian Games take place?

Next year, in Nagoya, Japan.

What is Ho Mimi’s signature move?

The back throw, which she used to defeat Rosa Guiertias and secure her second consecutive gold medal.

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Share your thoughts and congratulate Ho Mimi in the comments below! Which of her victories has been your favorite so far?