Nekoda Smythe-Davis: A resilient judoka's Olympic dream paused

British judoka Nekoda Smythe-Davis recently announced on social media that she did not qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite this setpback, she remains motivated and eager to continue her journey. The 31-year-old mother would have been a significant presence at the Games, where unique characters often stand out. The modest group of judo mothers, include Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA), Kim Polling (ITA), Moira de Villiers (NZE), Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi (ROT), and Natasha Ferreira (BRA) as some of the examples, are set to make an impact in Paris. Read on to see who will be missed at the party.

Nekoda Smythe-Davis has had a distinguished career in the U57kg category. She made her Olympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games, finishing ninth. Her notable achievements include winning silver at the 2018 IJF World Championships in Baku and bronze at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. Smythe-Davis also clinched gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and has been a two-time Grand Slam gold medallist, in Dusseldorf (2018) and Brasilia (2019).

In recent competitions, Smythe-Davis secured third place at the 2023 Grand Prix in Almada and finished fifth at the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar. However, her performance at the World Championships in Doha saw her rank ninth, reflecting the fierce competition and challenges in the qualification process.

Challenges

Londoner Smythe-Davis has faced significant challenges throughout her career. In late 2019, Koda suffered a severe head injury during training, leading to a prolonged battle with concussion and post-concussion syndrome. This injury forced her to miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as she needed more time for recovery. Her return to competition in September 2022 marked a triumphant comeback, highlighting her resilience and determination.

Despite her recent efforts, the competitive nature of Olympic qualification meant that Smythe-Davis narrowly missed securing a spot for Paris 2024. Her candid announcement on social media expressed the need for time to process this disappointment, yet she emphasised her continued dedication to the sport.

Nekoda balances her judo career with motherhood, raising her daughter Ryia Marr. She credits her mother, Ivy, for her initial involvement in judo and for instilling a love for sport. Smythe-Davis began judo at age five at a club in Anson Primary School in London, driven by her mother's encouragement to learn self-defense.

Her inspirations include judoka Kaori Matsumoto and middle-distance runner Kelly Holmes. Smythe-Davis fondly recalls watching Holmes win double gold at the 2004 Olympics, an event that deeply influenced her.

Family connections

Smythe-Davis has a strong connection to her family, spread across England, Jamaica, and the United States. She shares a unique bond with her two sisters, who also have children around the same age, creating a shared experience of motherhood's joys and challenges.

While missing out on Paris 2024 is a significant setback, Smythe-Davis's journey is far from over. Her resilience, passion, and dedication to judo remain unwavering. As she continues to train and compete, Smythe-Davis aims to inspire others and potentially open her own judo academy in the future.

Nekoda Smythe-Davis's story reflects the highs and lows of an elite athlete's career, and her ability to overcome challenges is an inspiration. As she continues her path in judo, Smythe-Davis remains a prominent figure in British judo and a role model for aspiring judokas worldwide.