(Photos: International Judo Federation)

By Christian Oldale

Deguchi sisters reflect on experience representing Canada in Judo

Jan 23, 2025 | 3:45 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Two sisters have made a big impact on the sport of Judo at the international level for Canada.

Christa and Kelly Deguchi both represented Canada in Judo at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Christa defeated South Korea’s Mimi Huh in the gold medal final by a score of 10-0 to capture Canada’s first ever gold medal in judo, and Canada’s first gold of the games.

Christa moved to Lethbridge in 2017, and does work with the Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club. Since then, she has become the most decorated female judoka in Canadian history with 11 career Grand Slam gold medals, along with four silver and two bronze.

READ MORE: Lethbridge’s Christa Deguchi wins Canada’s first gold medal in Judo

Kelly has also won her fair share of international medals, claiming bronze at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Pan American Judo Championships, as well as silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

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Months after the games, in January 2025, the Deguchi sisters came to Lethbridge to speak about their experience at the games. Christa Deguchi says that even though she wasn’t born in Canada, it runs in her blood and she is proud to represent the nation.

She added that the people of Lethbridge and the club always made her feel welcome and at home.

The two began training as judokas at a young age, with Kelly speaking on the inspiration her older sister had in her life in the sport. She followed Christa through the same schools into University, and the two often practiced together when they were little.

Kelly says she used the inspiration from her sister to blaze her own trail.

With their success at the international stage bringing spotlight to them, the sisters are providing advice to young Canadians and anyone else looking to get into Judo.

Christa says that while it is important to aim high for your goals, having fun with the sport is the most important thing to remember.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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