Soraya Haddad

2.1. Early Life and Career Beginnings

Soraya Haddad was born on September 30, 1984, in El Kseur, a town located in the Béjaïa Province of Algeria. She began her judo career in her home country, developing her skills in the sport from a young age. Standing at 61 in ^{(155 cm)} tall, Haddad initially competed in the judo circuit in the -48 kg weight class. One of her early international appearances included the 2003 World Judo Championships, where she secured two victories despite ultimately losing to Frédérique Jossinet.

2.2. Weight Class Transition

A significant strategic shift in Soraya Haddad's career occurred after the 2005 World Judo Championships. Having competed and earned a bronze medal in the -48 kg category at that event, she subsequently made the decision to transition to the -52 kg weight class. This change allowed her to adapt her fighting style and competitive approach, leading to continued success at a higher weight division. She remained active in the -52 kg category for the rest of her career, notably securing her Olympic bronze medal and multiple African championships in this class.

3.1. Olympic Games

Soraya Haddad participated in a total of three Olympic Games during her career. Her most notable achievement came at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Competing in the women's -52 kg weight class, Haddad earned a **bronze medal**, securing a significant victory for Algeria. She also competed in the 2012 London Olympics, though her campaign ended with an early exit in the first round.

3.2. World Championships

Haddad made several appearances at the World Judo Championships. Her most significant result at this level was a **bronze medal** won at the 2005 World Judo Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. This medal was achieved in the women's -48 kg category. After this championship, she moved up to the -52 kg division. She also competed at the 2007 World Judo Championships, where she placed seventh. Earlier in her career, at the 2003 World Judo Championships, she won two matches before being defeated.

3.3. African Championships and African Games

Soraya Haddad demonstrated strong dominance in regional African competitions throughout her career. She holds the impressive record of being a **five-time African champion**, winning gold medals at the African Judo Championships in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Her first medal at the African Championships was a bronze in 2002.

At the African Games, Haddad secured two medals. She won a **bronze medal** at the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers, and followed this with a **gold medal** at the 2011 All-Africa Games held in Maputo. All her African Games medals were in the -52 kg category.

3.4. Other International Competitions

Beyond the Olympics and World Championships, Soraya Haddad achieved significant success in various other international judo events:

• At the Mediterranean Games, she won a **gold medal** in the -52 kg category at the 2005 event in Almeria, Spain.
• In the Judo Grand Prix series, she secured **gold medals** at the 2010 Grand Prix Düsseldorf and the 2011 Grand Prix Amsterdam, both in the -52 kg class.
• She earned a **silver medal** at the 2011 Grand Slam Paris in the -52 kg category.
• At the World Masters event, she won a **bronze medal** at the 2012 Almaty World Masters in the -52 kg division.
• Haddad also competed in various other international tournaments, including:
  • The 2005 German Open, where she won a bronze medal in the -48 kg class.
  • The 2007 German Open, earning a silver medal in the -52 kg class.
  • The 2008 French Open, where she took a silver medal in the -52 kg class.
  • The 2008 German Open, securing another bronze medal in the -52 kg class.
• At the Pan Arab Games, she won a **bronze medal** at the 2011 event in Doha, in the -52 kg category.