Japanese Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Akira Sone won the women's over-78-kilogram division on the final day of the judo world championships Saturday in Doha, adding the 2023 title to the first she won in 2019.
The 22-year-old, back at the tournament after missing last year's following left knee surgery, drew three shido penalties from Julia Tolofua of France to triumph in the marathon 11-minute-plus final.
"Relief is the biggest feeling," said a tearful Sone who took two penalties against the physically-imposing Tolofua in the judokas' fifth bout of the day.
Sone revealed that she suffered pain for six months after the surgery in March last year, and even after her return to competition in the summer, while also being fearful of making some movements.
In December, she suffered her first defeat in an international meet since 2019 but demonstrated she has bounced back strongly as she vies for a chance to defend her Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024.
"I've had tough days since the surgery, not managing to perform the kind of judo I'd imagined," she said. "I prepared desperately and this win gives me confidence."
"The important result is the Paris Olympics next year. I'll overcome issues I encountered today and get stronger to win the gold medal again at any cost."
Japan won four gold in the women's events in Doha, one more than last year's worlds. On the men's side, Japanese judokas won one title, down from two claimed in 2022 and the fewest since the sport adopted a seven-division format in 2009.
Last year's runner-up, Japan's Tatsuru Saito, fell to eventual division winner Teddy Riner of France in the men's over-100-kilogram quarterfinals. The world title was Riner's record-extending 11th and first in six years.
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