How Do Judo Athletes Qualify for the Olympics

The landscape of Olympic judo qualification is a dynamic one, with rankings constantly shifting and athletes vying for coveted spots in the Games. With a total of 372 athletes set to compete in judo at the 2024 Olympics, the race to secure qualification is intense and highly competitive.

Direct qualification is granted to 238 athletes based on their performance in various world ranking events. The top 17 athletes in each weight category will earn automatic qualification, totaling 14 categories. Additionally, 100 athletes will be added via the continental quota system, with France securing 14 spots as the host nation. The IOC will also allocate 15 universality places based on federation requests.

There will be sportsbook promos on the chances of each category to be able to reach the last eight of the Olympic Games. A seeding place makes that a bit easier and to reach such an attractive seeding place among the best eight athletes in advance, the points in the ranking are essential.

The road to Olympic qualification is paved with opportunities for athletes to earn crucial points. World ranking events, from continental opens to world championships and World Judo Masters, offer athletes the chance to climb the rankings and secure their spot in the Games. The upcoming World Championships in Abu Dhabi will be a pivotal event, offering athletes one last chance to collect important qualification points.

Only athletes ranked within the top 100 in the senior World Ranking List (WRL) or the top 16 in the junior WRL will be eligible to participate in the Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors 2024. National federations will be allowed to enter up to 9 athletes for women, with a maximum of 2 athletes per category.

The current World Ranking List (WRL), updated after the Antalya Grand Slam 2024, will soon be refreshed after the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2024 on May 13th. This updated ranking will be used for seeding purposes at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

All documents can be found on the IJF website on how to qualify but the data make it more interesting.

One standout athlete in the rankings is Christa Deguchi of Canada, the current -57 kg world champion. Deguchi holds the top position in the rankings with an impressive 8700 points, earned from stellar performances at various events. Her compatriot, Jessica Klimkait, also a world champion, closely trails Deguchi in the rankings with 7650 points. With only one spot available for Canadian athletes in their weight category, the rivalry between Deguchi and Klimkait adds an extra layer of excitement to the qualification process.

As the Olympic qualification period draws to a close in June, the judo world will be closely watching the rankings and the outcomes of upcoming events. With spots in the Games on the line, athletes will be giving their all to secure their place on judo's biggest stage.