A gold medal in the women's 52 kg category at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro established Majlinda Kelmendi as the first Kosovan athlete to earn an Olympic medal. Her victory served as a landmark moment for her nation, which had only received full membership from the International Olympic Committee in late 2014.
Early Career and International Debut
Born in Peja in 1991, Kelmendi emerged on the international stage during the 2009 World Junior Championships in Paris, where she secured a gold medal. Her early years were marked by consistent development in the 52 kg category, including a fifth-place finish at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Morocco and a ninth-place ranking at the 2010 World Judo Championships in Tokyo. By 2014, she reached the top of the International Judo Federation Women's Prestige World Ranking List.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Olympic Ambitions and Representation
Kelmendi's Olympic journey began with significant administrative hurdles. Unable to represent Kosovo in the 2012 Summer Olympics due to resistance from the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations, she competed instead for Albania. She defeated Jaana Sundberg in the opening round but was eliminated in the second round by Christianne Legentil. Following the formal recognition of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo in 2014, she served as the nation's flag bearer during the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro four years later.
Championship Success and Late Career
Her performance at the 2013 World Judo Championships yielded the first world title for Kosovo. She successfully defended this title in 2014, though an injury prevented her from competing in 2015. Her form remained strong leading into 2016, with a third consecutive victory at the Paris Grand Slam and a gold medal at the European Championships in Kazan, Russia. In her later career, she earned bronze medals at the 2021 Judo World Masters in Doha and the 2021 Judo Grand Slam in Tel Aviv, subsequently competing at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Doping Control Controversy
In June 2016, Kelmendi faced scrutiny after declining an unscheduled doping control test while in France.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 May 1991, Peja
- Citizenship: Kosovo, Albania
- Primary sport: Judo
- Weight class: 52 kg
- 2016 Olympic result: Gold medal
- World titles: 2013, 2014
Questions readers ask
Why did Majlinda Kelmendi represent Albania in 2012?
International recognition for the Olympic Committee of Kosovo had not yet been granted, and the International Olympic Committee declined her request to compete as an independent athlete.
What is her highest achievement in the World Judo Championships?
She won the gold medal in the 52 kg category in both 2013 and 2014.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
