Aaron Wolf announces to retire next year

Japanese 2020 Tokyo Olympic Champion said he will retire at the end of the national corporate team championships next June. Wolf was born in 1996, in Tokyo, Japan, to a Japanese mother and an American father. He is best known for his gold medal victory in the men's -100 kg judo category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This achievement marked Japan's first gold in the category since Kosei Inoue's win in 2000. Wolf's triumph in Tokyo solidified his place in judo history, making him the eighth male judoka to complete Japanese judo’s prestigious "triple crown" by winning at the Olympic Games, the World Championships (2017), and the All-Japan Openweight Judo Championships (2019).

The 28-year-old, revealed the plan after he made a courtesy visit to Katsunori Aoki, mayor of Tokyo's Katsushika Ward, where he is from.

Wolf finished seventh at the Paris Olympics and is set to make his final international appearance at the Tokyo Grand Slam in December.

"I have no regrets," Wolf said. "I want many people to watch my matches in Japan. I've decided to give myself some time to enjoy judo."

Wolf has not decided what to do after retirement, saying, "I won't become a coach soon."

Wolf's judo journey began at the age of six at the renowned Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, encouraged by his grandfather who noticed his larger physique compared to other children. His training was intense, especially during his time at Tokai University Urayasu High School, where he was known for his rigorous practice routines.

Throughout his career, Wolf has secured numerous accolades. In addition to his Olympic gold, he won the World Championships in 2017 and claimed a bronze in 2019. He also has seven World Judo Tour victories to his name, including recent wins at the 2024 Grand Slams in Paris and Astana.

Wolf’s career is set to conclude in 2024, following his participation in the Tokyo Grand Slam in December and the national corporate team championships in June. Despite finishing seventh at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Wolf expressed no regrets about his career, indicating that he looks forward to enjoying judo in a more relaxed manner after retirement. However, he has no immediate plans to transition into coaching.

Beyond the mat, Wolf is known for his vibrant personality and love for making videos and spending time with his French bulldog, Oreo. His post-Tokyo 2020 fame saw him making over 100 television appearances, where he promoted judo to a broader audience. Despite his American heritage, Wolf proudly identifies with his Japanese roots, often stating that he feels "more Japanese than anyone."

As Wolf prepares for his retirement, his legacy in judo is well secured, with his contributions to the sport and his impact on promoting judo in Japan being widely recognised and celebrated.