Hannah Martin was born 27 June 1988 in Schenectady, New York, United States. She is in the -63kg weight category in Judo. Martin has raked in 16 continental open medals, of which 3 are gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze. She also won gold at the Saarbruecken Senior European Cup in 2017.
Martin won two bronze medals and two silver medals at four different Grand Prix tournaments- Abu Dhabi, Ulaanabaatar, and twice at Tashkent respectively. She won bronze at the Pan American Championships on four different occasions. Hannah also captured the bronze at the Pan American Games in 2019.
Since we last spoke, your next competition was the Tbilisi Grand Slam in 2022, where you finished 7th. Could you share your journey through that competition and what you took away from the experience?
It was my third competition back as a mom, so placing 7th at a Grand Slam wasn’t a bad result in hindsight. However, I left feeling unsatisfied. It was tough being alone without a coach or teammates—Angelica Delgado warmed me up but had to leave for the airport. I lost the repechage contest on penalties, so in a perfect world, things might have been different.
Following Tbilisi, you also competed in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and Tashkent Grand Slam, achieving 7th place in both. How do you reflect on these tournaments and what did you learn from them?
It’s cool to see that I still have the level to compete at a Grand Slam and reach the quarterfinals, but finishing 7th is bittersweet. It’s not enough to fight for a medal, which is what all athletes strive for.
You won the bronze medal at the Pan American and Oceania Championships in 2023. How did it feel to achieve this milestone, and what did it mean for your career?
The last time I competed at the Pan Ams was in 2019, where I also won bronze. With COVID-19 in 2020 and being pregnant in 2021, I didn’t quite qualify in 2022. So, winning another medal in 2023 felt like a significant achievement, especially as a mom.
How do you feel looking back on your career now that you’ve retired from competitive judo?
I announced my retirement about a month ago, so it all feels fresh. Some days, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished despite the challenges. Other times, I feel unsatisfied with my results, as if I didn’t reach my full potential. Time will hopefully change these feelings.
What has the transition from being a professional athlete to retirement been like for you?
To be completely transparent, it’s been really hard. Some days, I enjoy not dealing with the usual aches and pains of judo and spending more time with my daughter. But then there are moments of random sadness or depression over unmet goals.
What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned from your time in competitive judo?
The value of discipline and perseverance stands out. Training for judo demands consistent effort and dedication, which has taught me to stay committed to my goals and never give up.
How do you plan to stay involved with judo now that you’ve retired from competition?
I’ve been part of the EJU Media Team for the last few years, which has been rewarding. I’m also considering coaching in the future, possibly even coaching my daughter someday if she’s interested.
How has retiring from judo impacted your personal life, especially your roles as a wife and mother?
I have more time to focus on my family now that training and competitions aren’t the primary focus. Although I still train almost every day, my goals are different, and I can now enjoy activities with my daughter, like our upcoming trips.
What advice would you give to young judokas who aspire to have a long and successful career in the sport?
Believe in yourself. Self-confidence is crucial, regardless of others’ opinions or setbacks you might face.
Who have been your biggest inspirations and mentors throughout your judo career?
I never had a mentor per se. My love for the sport and determination to succeed drove me.
Which competition do you look back on most fondly, and why?
Winning bronze at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2013 stands out. Despite a serious back injury shortly before, I persevered through the pain to achieve a medal, proud of my mental toughness.
What was the most challenging period of your career, and how did you overcome it?
Dealing with numerous injuries and consecutive losses has always been tough. Loving the sport helped me push through these hard times.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind in the judo community?
I hope to be remembered for my character and how I treated others, both on and off the mat. Upholding the core principles of judo—respect, humility, and kindness—is what matters most to me.
How do you see the sport of judo evolving in the future, especially for women?
Women’s judo has grown significantly since I started competing. I believe it will continue to strengthen in the future.
How do you manage to balance your personal ambitions with your family responsibilities now that you’re retired?
My husband’s unwavering support has been crucial. He makes it possible for me to pursue my ambitions while fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother and wife.
How has your daily routine changed since retiring from competitive judo?
Not much has changed; I still work out daily, though less focused on judo specifically.
What are some of the proudest moments from your judo career that you haven’t shared before?
My proudest moments often occurred when I competed alone, like at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix in 2013. Despite facing disciplinary action for attending without permission, I won my first Grand Prix medal, proving my capabilities.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of female athletes and mothers?
Sharing my experiences as both a mom and athlete highlights the challenges but also shows that achieving goals is possible with determination.
What are your personal and professional goals moving forward?
I have many ideas and aspirations; now, I need to turn them into reality.
How has your support system, especially your husband Miguel, played a role in your judo career and transition to retirement?
Miguel has been my rock throughout my career and continues to support me during this transition, comforting me through moments of uncertainty.
How did you maintain motivation and focus over the years of training and competition leading up to the Olympic cycles?
My love for judo kept me motivated through the ups and downs of Olympic cycles.
Can you share how you dealt with setbacks or injuries during your career, and what kept you motivated?
Maintaining a positive mindset and setting short-term goals helped me overcome setbacks and injuries, allowing me to see progress even in difficult times.
As you close this chapter of your life, what final thoughts or messages would you like to share with your fans and the judo community?
Ultimately, it’s about the journey, not just the medals. I hope my journey has inspired others and left a positive impact.
Athlete Hannah Martin, -63kg Half Middleweight former Judoka representing the USA.
Instagram: @judohannah
Facebook: @JudoHannah
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
Instagram: @madeinbulgariaxx
Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
