Flagbearers in judo: Iza Marenco (NCA)

Iza Marenco from Managua, Nicaragua, will proudly serve as one of the flagbearers for her nation at the Paris Olympic Games. Born in 1992, in Managua, Marenco has become the best athlete in Nicaraguan judo, particularly in the +78 kg category.

Marenco’s journey in judo began relatively late at the age of 17. Encouraged by neighbours who were part of the national judo team and advised by her doctor to engage in physical activity for her health conditions, including autism and juvenile diabetes, she joined a judo class at her school in Ciudad Sandino. Under the guidance of her coach, Miguel Lopez, Marenco found her passion and dedication for the sport.

Marenco made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, finishing 17th in the women’s +78 kg category. Despite an early exit after a loss to Larisa Ceric of Bosnia and Herzegovina, her participation marked a significant milestone as she became the first Nicaraguan judoka to qualify for the Olympics by continental quota. Additionally, she is the fifth judoka from Nicaragua to compete at the Olympic Games and the first athlete from her country to participate in two Olympic Games.

In her career, Marenco has competed in three World Championships (2019, 2021, and 2024), although she faced first-round exits in each of these events. Nevertheless, she has shown remarkable resilience and tenacity, finishing fifth twice at the Pan American Championships and Games (2019 and 2023) in her weight category. Between 2021 and 2024, she collected six World Cup medals, including two victories in Santiago and Lima in 2024, further solidifying her reputation as a top competitor.

Marenco’s achievements extend beyond the judo mat. She studied Marine Biology at Universidad BICU in El Rama, Nicaragua, and is fluent in Spanish. Her commitment to her sport and her country is evident in her disciplined approach and her belief in the importance of passion, sacrifice, and discipline, which she considers the keys to success in judo.

Known affectionately as "Iza" or "La gorda" by those close to her, Marenco enjoys listening to music, watching Disney and horror movies, reading stories about overcoming challenges, and spending time with her family. Her coach remains the most influential person in her life, having believed in her since the beginning and supported her through both victories and setbacks.

Marenco's sporting philosophy is deeply personal and motivational. She talks to herself before every competition to remind herself of her purpose and commitment, embodying her belief that discipline, passion, and sacrifice are essential for success. She aspires to be a role model for future generations of athletes and aims to give national and international talks on overcoming adversity in sport.

As Iza Marenco prepares to represent Nicaragua in Paris, her journey from a young girl seeking to improve her health to an accomplished Olympian.

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Thursday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Iza Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora and Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Philippe Abel Mettelus (HAI)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CAM)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)