Shohei Ono (born February 3, 1992) is a retired Japanese judoka and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the most dominant competitors in the history of the sport. Competing primarily in the lightweight (-73 kg) division, Ono is noted for his technical proficiency, physical strength, and adherence to traditional judo principles.
Ono’s competitive career is highlighted by his success at the highest levels of international competition. He won his first World Championship title in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, followed by two more individual world titles in 2015 and 2019. His Olympic career includes winning the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and successfully defending his title at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (held in 2021). Throughout these major tournaments, he became known for achieving victories by ippon—the highest score in judo, which ends a match immediately—using classic techniques such as uchi mata (inner thigh throw) and osoto gari (major outer reap).
Born in Yamaguchi, Japan, Ono trained at Tenri University, an institution known for its traditional and rigorous approach to judo. This background is often cited as the foundation for his upright fighting style and emphasis on throwing techniques over tactical penalties. In addition to his individual achievements, he contributed to multiple gold medals for Japan in the World Championship team events.
In late 2022, reports emerged regarding Ono’s transition away from active competition. In early 2023, it was confirmed that he would retire from competitive judo to pursue a coaching career and study abroad through a program sponsored by the Japanese Olympic Committee. His legacy in the sport is defined by his high winning percentage and his reputation as a "pure" judoka who prioritized decisive technical execution.
