A gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro established Paula Pareto as the first Argentinian woman to secure an Olympic championship title in judo. Competing in the 48 kg category, she reached the pinnacle of the sport after a career defined by consistent international performance and a rigorous dual commitment to professional medicine.
Early Development in Argentina
Born in San Fernando in 1986, Paula Belén Pareto began her athletic training with swimming at age four and gymnastics a year later. Her interest in judo formed at age nine when her brother Marco joined a local club. She started her training at Club San Fernando before moving to Club Estudiantes de La Plata to pursue higher levels of competition. Early in her career, she competed in the 44 kg division before transitioning to the 48 kg category.
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Pareto competed in four Olympic Games: 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she earned a bronze medal following a controversial match against North Korea’s Pak Ok-song. A successful objection by trainer Carlos Denegri regarding a Kuchiki taoshi technique secured the podium finish. In 2015, she won her first world title at the World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. By the 2016 Rio Games, she defeated Jeong Bo-kyeong to claim gold, later serving as the flag bearer for Argentina at the closing ceremony.
Medical Career and Governance
Beyond the tatami, Pareto pursued a career as a traumatologist. She attended the University of Buenos Aires, completing her medical degree in March 2014. Her commitment to both fields resulted in significant national recognition, including the Platinum Konex Award in 2010 for the best Argentine sportswoman of the decade and the Gold Olimpia Award in 2015. In 2024, she transitioned into sports administration as a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 January 1986, San Fernando, Argentina
- Primary Occupation: Judoka and traumatologist
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2016, 48 kg event
- Olympic Bronze Medal: 2008, 48 kg event
- Medical Degree: University of Buenos Aires, 2014
- International Olympic Committee Member: 2024
- Languages: Spanish
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic Games did Paula Pareto compete in?
She competed in four Summer Olympics: 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
What is Paula Pareto's professional background outside of judo?
She is a qualified medical doctor and traumatologist who graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in 2014.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
