Judo birthdays during the Olympic Games

During the Olympic Games, several judokas will be celebrating their birthdays, adding a personal touch to the excitement of the competition. On the opening day at Friday, July 26, defending Olympic Champion Lasha Bekauri from Georgia will turn 24. Born in 2000, Bekauri has quickly made a name for himself in the judo world, and his birthday during the opening of the Games at the Seine will surely be a memorable one.

Sharing the same birthday, first-time Olympian Katharina Tanzer from Austria, born in 1995, will be celebrating her 29th birthday. Tanzer's experience and skill make her a formidable competitor, and her birthday is an additional reason for celebration with a lot of guaranteed fireworks.

The following day is the opening day of the Judo Tournament, Saturday, July 27, will see two more judokas marking their special day. Mascha Ballhaus from Germany, born in 2000, will also be turning 24. Ballhaus, a rising star in the judo scene, will have an extra reason to aim for a medal one day after her birthday. Also Hidayat Heydarov from Azerbaijan, born in 1997, will turn 27 on the same day, also for him one day before his Olympic appearance. Heydarov, known for his impressive record at top events, will likely use his birthday as further motivation for his poised Olympic title as a world champion.

On Wednesday, July 31, three judokas will celebrate their birthdays. Katharina Haecker from Australia, born in 1992, will turn 32. Born in Germany, Haecker's journey in judo has been marked by dedication and success, and her birthday during the Olympics. Enej Marinic from Slovenia, born in 1998, will be celebrating his 26th birthday. As a competitor, Marinic has shown great promise and he was added at the last moment due to the cancellation of the Russians. Birthday will add a festive atmosphere to his Olympic experience, read more about Enej Marinic. Also celebrating on this day is Pauline Starke from Germany, born in 1997, who will turn 27. Starke's career has been marked by determination and hard work, and her birthday will take place after her Olympic experience at day three.

As the Games progress into August, Maria Celia Laborde from the United States will celebrate her 34th birthday on Friday, August 2. Born in 1990 in Cuba. She will be in action at the first day of the judo tournament.

Finally, on Saturday, August 3, Mayra Aguiar from Brazil will celebrate her 33rd birthday. It could be possible to win a fourth Olympic medal here in Paris. Born in 1991, Aguiar is a seasoned judoka with numerous accolades to her name such as the world title and Olympic medals. At the day of the team event her birthday at the Olympics will be a proud moment for her and the Brazilian team.