South KoreanJudokaOlympicsMedalist

Han Hee-ju

Han Hee-ju is a South Korean judoka who has achieved success at junior and senior levels in the -63 kg and -70 kg categories, winning medals at major international championships.

1. Early Life and Education

Han Hee-ju's early life saw her begin her journey into the world of judo, a sport that would define her competitive career.

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Han Hee-ju was born on September 2, 1997, in South Korea. Details about her specific upbringing and childhood are not publicly available, but her rapid ascent in judo suggests an early and dedicated engagement with the sport.

2. Judo Career

Han Hee-ju's judo career spans both junior and senior international competitions, marked by consistent performances and medal wins across various prestigious events.

2.1. Introduction to Judo and Early Career

Han Hee-ju began her judo career at a young age, quickly establishing herself as a promising talent. Her early development as an athlete was evident through her participation and success in cadet and junior-level competitions, primarily competing in the -63 kg weight class.

2.2. Junior Career

Han Hee-ju demonstrated her potential early in her career through strong performances in junior-level international competitions, securing multiple gold medals.

2.2.1. Asian Cadet Championships

Han Hee-ju achieved notable success at the Asian Cadet Judo Championships. In 2013, she won a gold medal in the -63 kg event at the championships held in Hainan, and she followed this with another gold medal in the -63 kg event at the 2014 championships in Hong Kong.

2.2.2. Asian Junior Championships

Continuing her success in the junior ranks, Han Hee-ju secured a gold medal in the -63 kg event at the 2017 Asian Junior Judo Championships held in Bishkek.

2.3. Senior Career

Transitioning to the senior circuit, Han Hee-ju continued to compete at the highest levels, participating in major international events including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Asian Games.

2.3.1. Olympic Games

Han Hee-ju represented South Korea at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. She competed in the women's -63 kg event, where she was eliminated in the round of 32.

2.3.2. World Judo Championships

Han Hee-ju participated in several World Judo Championships. In both the 2017 and 2019 championships, competing in the women's -63 kg category, she was eliminated in her first match. At the 2021 World Championships, also in the women's -63 kg event, she advanced further, reaching the third round.

2.3.3. Asian Games

At the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Han Hee-ju earned a bronze medal in the women's -63 kg event, marking a significant achievement in her senior career.

2.3.4. Summer Universiade

Han Hee-ju has also medaled in team events at the Summer Universiade. In 2019, she won a bronze medal in the women's team event at the Summer Universiade held in Naples, Italy. She followed this with another bronze medal in the women's team event at the 2021 Summer World University Games in Chengdu.

2.3.5. Asian Judo Championships and Other International Competitions

In addition to her major championship appearances, Han Hee-ju has achieved success in other international competitions. She won a gold medal in the -63 kg event at the 2021 Asian-Pacific Judo Championships in Bishkek. Earlier in her career, she secured a bronze medal at the 2015 Judo Grand Prix Ulaanbaatar in the -63 kg category.