Marie Muller (born 29 July 1985 in Filderstadt, Germany) is a Luxembourgish judoka who competed in the women's 52 kg weight class. She is a two-time Olympian and achieved Luxembourg's best-ever Olympic result in judo with a fifth-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics.
Biography
Muller's first official competition was the European U23 Championships in Ljubljana in 2004, where she finished in third place. She went on to participate in approximately 20 international tournaments, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Her early career highlights include first place at the Swedish Open in 2007, first place at the 2008 A-World Cup in Birmingham, and first place at the Monaco Games in 2007. Muller was named Luxembourgish Athlete of the Year three times: in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Olympic Career
2008 Summer Olympics – Beijing
At the 2008 Olympics, Muller's first bout was against Soraya Haddad of Algeria (who went on to win a bronze medal), losing 0001–0211. She advanced to the repechage rounds, where she defeated Hortance Diedhiou of Senegal (1001–0001) but then lost to Kim Kyung-Ok of South Korea, finishing in 9th place.
2012 Summer Olympics – London
At the 2012 London Olympics, Muller defeated Ana Carrascosa of Spain and María García of the Dominican Republic. She lost in the quarter-finals to eventual silver medalist Yanet Bermoy of Cuba but qualified for the repechage rounds. There, she beat Christianne Legentil of Mauritius and advanced to the bronze medal match against Rosalba Forciniti of Italy. Muller lost that bout, finishing in 5th place — the finest Olympic result ever achieved by a Luxembourgish athlete in judo.
Major Results
- 2012 – Summer Olympics (London, –52 kg) – 5th place
- 2011 – Games of the Small States of Europe – Gold medal (–52 kg) and Gold medal (Women's team)
- 2010 – IJF Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro – Silver medal
- 2008 – A-World Cup Birmingham – 1st place
- 2008 – Summer Olympics (Beijing, –52 kg) – 9th place
- 2007 – Swedish Open – 1st place
- 2007 – Monaco Games – 1st place
- 2004 – European U23 Championships (Ljubljana) – Bronze medal
Post-Competition Career
Following her competitive judo career, Muller transitioned to working in the sports service at Uerschterhaff Prison in Luxembourg, where she helps inmates engage in physical activity and sports. She has spoken publicly about finding purpose in her family life and her work in the prison system after the end of her athletic career.
