Four consecutive Olympic Games yielded a medal for Cuban judoka Idalys Ortiz, who competed in the heavyweight +78 kg division. Born in 1989 in Pinar del Río, she entered the national judo team at age 15. Her international career spanned from her first Olympic appearance in 2008 to her retirement following the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Early Olympic Success
Ortiz made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by becoming the youngest heavyweight medalist, securing bronze. She concluded the tournament by defeating Mongolian competitor Dorjgotovyn Tserenkhand with an ippon using the O-goshi technique.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The 2012 Gold and Professional Rise
At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she captured the gold medal, marking the first time a non-Asian athlete won the heavyweight category in 12 years. Her path to victory included wins against Adysângela Moniz, Yelena Ivashchenko, and a victory over Tong Wen using a te-guruma throw. She clinched the title by defeating Mika Sugimoto in the final. Her performance in 2013 and 2016 led to her selection as the Cuban Athlete of the Year.
Continued International Performance
She earned a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, falling to Émilie Andéol in the final after defeating Kanae Yamabe. By the end of that season, she held the world number one ranking, supported by five IJF event victories. In 2020, she added another silver medal to her collection in Tokyo. To maintain her edge against limited female competition, she adhered to a seven-hour daily training regime, often sparring with male judokas.
Career Conclusion
Beyond her Olympic achievements, she earned gold at the 2015 Pan American Championships and contributed to the Cuban team's five gold medals at the 2018 edition of the tournament. In July 2024, she served as a flag bearer alongside wrestler Mijaín López for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. She retired from active competition following her exit in the round of 16 at that event.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Pinar del Río, Cuba
- Occupation: Judoka
- Olympic Medals: 2008 (Bronze), 2012 (Gold), 2016 (Silver), 2020 (Silver)
- 2013 and 2016 Cuban Athlete of the Year
- 2024 Paris Olympics Flag Bearer
- Primary category: Heavyweight +78 kg division
- Retirement: 2024
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic medals did Idalys Ortiz win?
She won a medal at four consecutive Olympic Games: bronze in 2008, gold in 2012, and silver in both 2016 and 2020.
When did Idalys Ortiz retire?
She announced her retirement from active sports following her performance in the round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Achievements
- Competed at judo at the 2012 Summer Olympics – women's +78 kg, judo at the 2016 Summer Olympics – women's +78 kg and judo at the 2020 Summer Olympics – women's +78 kg
- Discipline: judo
