Miriam Blasco Soto (born 12 July 1963) is a Spanish former judoka and politician. She is best known for winning the gold medal in the women's half‑middleweight (–61 kg) judo competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, becoming the first Spanish woman to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
Early life and education
Blasco was born in Marín, Province of Pontevedra, Spain. She began practicing judo at a young age and trained at local clubs before advancing to national and international competition.
Judo career
- International debut: Early 1980s, representing Spain in European and World Championships.
- 1990 European Championships: Bronze medal in the –61 kg category.
- 1991 World Championships: Reached the semifinals.
- 1992 Barcelona Olympics: Won gold by defeating Yuko Emoto of Japan in the final.
Following her Olympic victory, Blasco retired from competitive judo and remained involved in the sport as a mentor and advocate for women's participation.
Political career
After retiring from sport, Blasco entered politics as a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). She served as a member of the Parliament of Galicia from 1993 to 1995 and later held various regional governmental positions, focusing on sports development and gender equality initiatives.
Personal life
Blasco publicly came out as gay in 1998, becoming one of the first openly lesbian athletes in Spain. Her openness contributed to increased visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in Spanish sports and public life.
Legacy
Miriam Blasco is recognized for her pioneering role in Spanish judo, her historic Olympic achievement, and her contributions to politics and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her career is frequently cited in discussions of gender barriers in sport and the representation of LGBTQ+ athletes.
