A Decade in the Making: Can Team USA End the Medal Drought?

The last American to medal at the Senior World Judo Championships was Olympic champion Kayla Harrison, who earned bronze in 2014 in the -78kg category. She previously won gold in 2010 and bronze in 2011, marking one of the strongest runs in U.S. judo history.

Since then, no American has reached the Senior Worlds podium.

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Spotlight on María Celia Laborde

One of Team USA’s top contenders is María Celia Laborde, currently ranked No. 12 in the world in the -48kg division. Originally a bronze medalist for Cuba at the 2014 World Championships, Laborde became a U.S. citizen in 2022 and now proudly represents USA Judo.

At 34 years old, she’s enjoying a strong season, including:

• Silver – Pan American Championships

• Bronze – Linz Grand Prix

• 7th place – Paris Grand Slam

Though just outside the top 8 seeding, Laborde is a serious podium threat in Budapest.

The Women’s Team

Joining Laborde in representing the U.S. women’s squad are:

• Mariah Holguin (-57kg) – World Rank: 32

• Melissa Myers (-70kg) – World Rank: 64

• Jenna Schurr (-52kg) – World Rank: 94

Due to IJF rules, only athletes ranked in the top 100 are eligible to compete, and several U.S. judoka are either recovering from injury, newly retired, or currently outside that threshold. 

Men’s Team Standouts: Youth, Power, and Rising Stars

Jack Yonezuka (-73kg), currently ranked No. 15 in the world, leads the men’s team. Coming off a gold at the Pan American Championships and a bronze at the Slovenia European Open, he’s in strong form heading into Budapest.

Another exciting name is Jonathan Yang (-60kg), an 18-year-old cadet world champion making his senior world debut. He’s already proven his mettle this year:

• Senior National Champion

• 5th place – Linz Grand Prix

His older brother, Jacob Yang (-66kg), is also making his debut. The 20-year-old is ranked No. 7 among on the Junior World Ranking List. 

In the -90kg division, Oleksandr Nyzhnyk is another young prospect to watch. After winning the Senior National title and placing second at the Junior Pan Ams, he’s ready for his first shot at the world stage.

Also making his debut is Johan Silot (-81kg), this year’s Senior National Champion and 5th place finisher at the Pan American Championships.

Full USA Judo Men’s Roster for Budapest:

• -60kg: Jonathan Yang, David Terao

• -66kg: Jacob Yang, Ari Berliner

• -73kg: Jack Yonezuka

• -81kg: Johan Silot

• -90kg: Oleksandr Nyzhnyk, John Jayne

• -100kg: Jared Causse

Supporting the Future of Judo

Hatashita and FUJI are proud to support our sponsored athletes as they head to the 2025 Senior World Judo Championships. We believe in this team’s potential to break through and bring American judo back to the world podium.

Best of luck, Team USA!