Hilo Judoka Wins Gold at National Championships

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Hilo native Yuki Sadanchikova won the gold medal in the women's 63kg division at the USA Judo National Championships, held in Miami, Florida. The victory qualifies Sadanchikova to represent the United States at the upcoming Pan-American Judo Championships.

Why it matters

Sadanchikova's gold medal win is a major accomplishment for the Big Island judo community, showcasing the talent and dedication of local athletes. Her selection to the U.S. national team for the Pan-Am Championships will provide an opportunity to compete against top judoka from across the Americas.

The details

Competing against the nation's best judoka in the 63kg weight class, Sadanchikova dominated her opponents throughout the tournament, winning each of her matches by ippon (the highest score in judo). Her performance earned her the gold medal and a spot on the U.S. national team that will travel to the Pan-American Judo Championships later this year.

• The USA Judo National Championships took place from April 1-2, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
• Sadanchikova won the gold medal in the women's 63kg division on April 2, 2026.

What’s next

Sadanchikova will now represent the United States at the 2026 Pan-American Judo Championships, where she will compete against top judoka from North, Central, and South America.