- American judoka Jonathan yang, a 2024 cadet champion, boldly challenged judo legend shohei Ohno in randori at the Kodokan.
- spanish judoka Tristani Mosakhrishvili faces a difficult recovery from a bacterial infection following ACL surgery, threatening his Olympic dreams.
- Mosakhrishvili, despite his hardship, remains determined to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Tokyo, February 5, 2026 – A young American judoka’s fearless challenge of a seasoned veteran and a veteran’s fight against overwhelming odds are capturing attention in the judo world, showcasing the sport’s blend of respect, resilience, and unwavering ambition.
Yang’s Bold Challenge: A Rising Star Faces a Legend
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Jonathan Yang (USA), a first-year student at Tokai University, made waves as a 2024 cadet champion. In 2025, he embarked on a world tour with his brothers.
Known for his quiet demeanor, Jonathan surprised many by requesting randori with Shohei Ohno. Despite being repeatedly thrown, he continued to press forward, a display of tenacity that impressed observers. One onlooker remarked,”I thought maybe he was frustrated,but then he just grinned.”
Tho clearly outmatched, Yang’s spirit shone through, proving he’s a competitor to watch.
Jonathan yang (USA)
Mosakhlishvili’s Hardships: A Fight for Recovery
Tristani Mosakhrishvili, a key member of the Spanish national team with Georgian roots, shared a difficult update on Instagram: a video of himself in a wheelchair, detailing his current health battle.
Mosakhrishvili emerged as a notable competitor before the Paris Olympics, raising questions among Georgian judo fans about his background given his name. He won a semi-final match against Rasha Bekauri (Georgia) and defeated Theodoros Tseridis (Greece), finishing in 5th place and gaining recognition.
In a recent interview, Mosakhrishvili revealed he underwent surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained prior to the Olympics. Complications arose during recovery, leading to a severe bacterial infection in his knee that nearly resulted in amputation. He now experiences important pain and his ability to compete remains uncertain,as he seeks treatment in Germany and Israel.
“My only dream is to win a gold medal at the Olympics. Any other color won’t do,” he stated, a testament to his unwavering determination.
