At 17 years old, Daria Bilodid became the youngest judoka to win a senior world championship title, establishing a career trajectory that reshaped Ukrainian martial arts history. Born in Kyiv in 2000, she emerged as a dominant force in the 48 kg weight class, securing multiple international podium finishes across junior and senior competitions throughout her professional career.
Rise to International Prominence
Bilodid captured her inaugural senior world title during the 2018 World Championships held in Baku, Azerbaijan. During the final match against Funa Tonaki, she executed an Ōuchi gari to secure an ippon victory at 1:59. This achievement verified her status as the youngest judoka, male or female, to win two senior world championships. Her early trajectory included winning the junior European championship in 2016 followed by the junior world title in 2018.
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At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Bilodid secured a bronze medal in the 48 kg category by defeating Shira Rishony. This victory marked the first Olympic medal in women's judo for Ukraine. Her European record remains extensive, including gold medals at the European championships in 2017, 2019, and 2024. She also participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she recorded a win against Nera Tiebwa.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Her performance in 2020 earned her the International Judo Federation title of Best Female Judoka of the Year. The Ukrainian government recognized her contributions to sports by awarding her the Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class, in 2019, and subsequently the Order of Princess Olga, 2nd class, in 2021. Forbes Ukraine included her in their 30 under 30 list for 2020, and Guinness World Records lists her as the youngest female judo world champion.
Fast facts
- Born: 2000, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Sport: Judo
- Olympic Medal: Bronze (2020 Tokyo)
- Senior World Titles: 2 (2018, 2019)
- European Titles: 3 (2017, 2019, 2024)
- Awards: Order of Princess Olga, 2nd and 3rd class
- Language: Ukrainian
Questions readers ask
What record does Daria Bilodid hold?
She is the youngest female judo world champion and the youngest two-time world judo champion in history.
Did Daria Bilodid win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics?
Yes, she won a bronze medal in the 48 kg weight class.
Achievements
- Order of Princess Olga, 2nd class
- Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
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