Tsugumi Sakurai: Youngest Olympic Wrestling Champion Retires at 24
Synopsis
Tsugumi Sakurai, the celebrated women's 57kg wrestling champion from Japan, retires at the young age of 24 to focus on mentoring future wrestlers and promoting sports in her home region of Kochi. Her remarkable journey includes multiple world titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Key Takeaways
Retirement at 24: Tsugumi Sakurai retires early to focus on mentorship.
Olympic Gold: She achieved her dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
Future Plans: Plans to start a wrestling classroom in Kochi.
Career Highlights: Three-time world champion with multiple gold medals.
Inspiration: A role model for aspiring wrestlers.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Tsugumi Sakurai, the remarkable Olympic champion in women’s 57kg wrestling from Japan, has announced her retirement at just 24 years old. She aims to embark on a new journey focused on mentoring future wrestlers and acting as a goodwill ambassador for sports in her hometown, Kochi Prefecture, located in western Japan.
Sakurai's victory in Paris followed an impressive streak, including three consecutive world titles: one at 55kg in 2021 and two back-to-back gold medals at 57kg in 2022 and 2023.
In her Instagram post, she expressed, "I want to thank everyone for their unwavering support. After nearly 21 years in wrestling, I have chosen to retire. I have been fortunate to pursue my passion in such a supportive environment."
"Winning an Olympic gold was a dream come true. I am sincerely grateful for all the encouragement I received throughout my journey. Thank you to everyone who stood by me," she added.
Reflecting on her wrestling career, she stated, "Your continued guidance has been invaluable, even during challenging times when victories were hard to come by. Wrestling has provided me with countless experiences, including moments of pain, but I am thankful I persevered."
"This decision was not made lightly; I have discussed, contemplated, and worried about it with many people over the past year. I plan to establish a wrestling classroom at the Kochi Wrestling Club in Konan City and dedicate myself to promoting and strengthening the sport," the post concluded.
A U17 world champion in 2016, she also secured gold medals at the Asian Championships and the Asian Games in 2022 and 2023. However, she faced one of her two international losses at the 2024 Asian Championships, where she lost to Yongxian Feng from China in the final, according to United World Wrestling.
Five months later, she achieved her pinnacle moment in Paris, defeating the 2016 Rio Olympic champion, Helen Maroulis from the USA, with a score of 10-4 in the semifinals, and clinching the gold with a commanding 6-0 win over Anastasia Nichita from Moldova, a rematch of the 2023 world final.
--IAN
Point of View
Tsugumi Sakurai's retirement marks a significant transition not just in her life but for the future of wrestling in Japan. Her decision to nurture young talent reflects a commitment to the sport and showcases her dedication to fostering a new generation of athletes. This move is commendable and aligns with a nation-first approach, emphasizing the importance of sports development.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tsugumi Sakurai's major achievements?
Tsugumi Sakurai is a three-time world champion and the Olympic gold medalist in women's 57kg wrestling, with notable victories at the Asian Championships and Asian Games.
Why did Sakurai decide to retire?
At just 24, Tsugumi Sakurai chose to retire to focus on mentoring young wrestlers and promoting sports as a goodwill ambassador for her hometown, Kochi.
What will Sakurai do after retirement?
She plans to start a classroom at the Kochi Wrestling Club in Konan City to teach and strengthen the sport of wrestling.
Who did Sakurai defeat in her Olympic semifinal?
Sakurai defeated Helen Maroulis from the USA, the 2016 Rio Olympic champion, with a score of 10-4 in the semifinals.
What was Sakurai's final match result at the Olympics?
In the final, she secured a gold medal by winning 6-0 against Anastasia Nichita from Moldova.
