Ivan Nifontov

2.1. Birth and Background

Ivan Vitaliyevich Nifontov (Иван Витальевич Нифонтов_{Ivan Vitalyevich Nifontov}^Russian) was born on June 5, 1987, in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. He holds Russian nationality.

2.2. Start of Judo Career

Nifontov began his judo journey at a young age, starting to practice the sport when he was eight years old.

3.1. Olympic Games

Nifontov represented Russia at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, competing in the men's -81 kg category. He advanced to the semifinals, where he was defeated by Kim Jae-bum of South Korea. In the bronze medal match, he successfully overcame Takahiro Nakai of Japan, securing an Olympic bronze medal.

3.2. World Championships

Nifontov achieved a major career milestone at the 2009 World Judo Championships held in Rotterdam, where he won the gold medal in the men's -81 kg division. Five years later, he added another World Championship medal to his collection, earning a bronze medal in the -81 kg category at the 2014 World Judo Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia. In 2013, he also won a silver medal as part of the men's team at the 2013 World Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro, where he placed 5th individually. He finished 7th at the 2011 World Judo Championships.

3.3. Other Major International Competitions

Nifontov has an extensive record of achievements in various other international judo competitions:

• In 2003, he won a silver medal in the 66 kg category at the European Youth Olympic Festival.
• He secured a gold medal at the 2007 European Police Championships.
• At the European Judo Championships, he claimed a gold medal in the -81 kg category at the 2009 European Judo Championships in Tbilisi. He also earned a bronze medal in the men's team event at the 2010 European Judo Championships in Vienna.
• His performances in the Judo World Masters series include a gold medal at the 2013 Judo World Masters in Tyumen and a silver medal at the 2015 Judo World Masters in Rabat, both in the -81 kg category. He placed 5th at the 2012 World Masters.
• Nifontov has achieved multiple victories in Judo Grand Slam events, winning gold medals at the 2009 Judo Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro, 2010 Judo Grand Slam Moscow, and 2014 Judo Grand Slam Abu Dhabi, all in the -81 kg division. He also took a silver medal at the 2011 Judo Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro and a bronze at the 2009 Judo Grand Slam Paris. He finished 5th at the 2011 Grand Slam Moscow.
• In IJF Grand Prix events, Nifontov won gold at the 2016 Judo Grand Prix Budapest. He also secured bronze medals at the 2009 Judo Grand Prix Hamburg, 2011 Judo Grand Prix Amsterdam, and 2011 Judo Grand Prix Qingdao.
• At the European Games, he earned a silver medal in the men's -81 kg category and a bronze medal in the men's team event at the 2015 European Games in Baku.
• Other notable results include a bronze medal at the World Cup São Paulo, a bronze medal at the World Cup Madrid, a silver medal at the Pan American Open Buenos Aires, a bronze medal at the 2013 World Team Championships, a silver medal at the 2014 World Team Championships, a bronze medal at the Pan American Open Santiago, and a gold medal at the Pan American Open Montevideo.
• Nifontov's height is 68 in ^{(172 cm)}.

4.1. Public Engagements

Beyond his competitive career, Ivan Nifontov has participated in public events. Notably, he carried the Winter Olympic torch as part of the relay leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

4.2. Affiliations

Ivan Nifontov is affiliated with the Yawara-Neva Judo Club, a prominent judo organization where Vladimir Putin serves as the honorary chairman.