Tara Babulfath mocks the judo statistics

Tara Babulfath, a young and dynamic judoka from Sweden, has captured the judo world’s attention with her remarkable performances in the U48kg category. Born on January 3, 2006, in Stockholm, she has swiftly risen through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most promising talents. She is the second youngest judoka at these Olympic Games. She can be the first Swedish woman to win a medal and in the top ten youngest ever female Olympic medallists.

Babulfath's judo journey began at the age of eight when she joined the IK Södra judo club. Coming from a wrestling family, her parents encouraged her to take up a different sport, and she quickly fell in love with judo. Her talent and dedication have paid off, leading to significant achievements at a young age. She currently trains at the Stockholms Judo Club under the guidance of personal coach Ann Lof, club coach Ulf Lindblom, and national coach Jane Bridge, a former world champion in the -48kg class.

Tara made her international senior debut at the 2023 World Championships in Doha, where she gained valuable experience despite an early exit. However, 2024 has been a breakout year for her. She won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi and clinched gold at the Baku Grand Slam, making her the youngest ever winner of the event. Additionally, she secured a bronze at the Tashkent Grand Slam and finished fifth at the Tokyo Grand Slam in 2023. These accomplishments have made her one of the youngest and most exciting competitors at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she is set to make her debut.

Babulfath’s fighting style is dynamic and adaptable, with preferred techniques including o-uchi-gari, o-goshi, and seoi-nage. On the ground, she effectively uses Sankaku (leg choke). Her nickname, "Pippi," inspired by the Swedish fictional character Pippi Longstocking, reflects her spirited and adventurous nature. Off the mat, she enjoys riding horses and snowboarding, activities that satisfy her love for adrenaline and speed.

Balancing her athletic career with her education, Tara is studying Economics and Law at Stockholms Idrottsgymnasium. She speaks English, Farsi, and Swedish, showcasing her cultural versatility. Her family has been a significant source of support and inspiration. Her father, Mohammad Babulfath, competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2004 Athens Olympics and served as Sweden’s national coach from 2010 to 2016. Her mother, Ida Hellstrom, also competed internationally in wrestling. Tara’s sister, Hanna, is a Swedish cadet champion in judo, making sports a family tradition.

Among Tara’s idols are judokas Daria Bilodid, a two-time world champion and 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, and Julia Figueroa, a two-time Olympian and World Championships bronze medalist. Their achievements have inspired Tara to dream big and pursue her goals with determination.

As Tara Babulfath prepares to face three-time world champion Natsumi Tsunoda of Japan in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics, she embodies her sporting philosophy: "Dream big, the dream is free and you can do anything." This match represents a significant opportunity for Tara to shine on the biggest stage, potentially marking a historic moment in her burgeoning career.