In our exclusive interview with Hungarian judoka Hedvig Karakas reflects on her illustrious career, spanning over a decade, including three Olympic appearances and 43 IJF World Tour medals. In the interview, Karakas talks about her experiences at the Olympics, facing injuries, and her decision to retire before the Paris 2024 Games.
She also shares insights on maintaining mental and physical resilience throughout her demanding career, the challenges of moving up to the 63 kg weight class, and the importance of respect and discipline in both sport and life.
Karakas highlights how judo empowered her, and she continues to stay involved in the sport, working with the International Judo Federation (IJF) and organizing competitions. She also expresses her passion for empowering women through judo, discussing her involvement in IJF’s “Self-Defence for Women” initiative.
Who is Hedvig Karakas?
Hedvig Karakas, born on February 21, 1990, in Szolnok, Hungary, is a celebrated Hungarian judoka and European Champion. She has made significant contributions to the sport, with career highlights that include winning bronze at the 2009 World Championships and a fifth-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics. Competing in the -57 kg weight category for most of her career, she transitioned to the -63 kg category in 2022.
Hedvig’s career began with early successes, such as winning gold at the 2005 Youth European Championships and bronze at the Junior European and Team European Championships. She continued her rise by earning her first World Championship bronze in 2009 and later became the World Junior Champion. In addition to her 2009 success, she claimed multiple Grand Slam and Grand Prix medals, including gold at the Astana Grand Prix (2014) and the Tashkent Grand Prix (2019). Notably, she won bronze at the 2015 Tokyo Grand Slam and achieved European Champion status in 2020 in Prague.
Karakas represented Hungary at three Olympic Games: 2012, 2016, and 2020. She placed seventh in Rio and fifth in London, displaying resilience and skill at the highest level. After undergoing several surgeries, including knee and ankle operations, she made her comeback in 2022 at the Tel Aviv Grand Slam in her new weight class.
Throughout her career, Hedvig Karakas has secured 43 IJF World Tour medals, establishing herself as one of Hungary’s finest judokas, with her dedication and achievements serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Interview with Hedvig Karakas
Looking back on your three Olympic appearances, including your 5th place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, how did each experience shape your career and your approach to competition?
I finished 5th at the 2012 London Olympics, 7th in Rio, and was eliminated in the first round in Tokyo. Each Olympics was different in terms of results and preparation, but one thing remained constant: I faced injuries in the first two, and in Tokyo, I got sick two days before my fight. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on my side when it came to the Olympics.
Throughout your career, you’ve earned an impressive 43 medals from the IJF World Tour, including medals from IJF Masters and Grand Slams. What does this achievement mean to you, and how did you maintain such a high level of consistency across different competitions?
I’ve always loved competing and seeking out challenges since childhood, and that hasn’t changed. I enjoyed being a professional athlete, and I wasn’t afraid to make sacrifices. I consider myself persistent, determined, and humble—traits essential for high-level sports. I loved training and putting myself in high-pressure situations, which helped me sustain a long career.
You competed in the 57 kg category for most of your career. What prompted the decision to move up to the 63 kg category, and how did that transition affect your performance and training?
After Rio, I had ACL surgery and competed in a higher weight category during recovery to avoid weight cuts. After Tokyo, I wasn’t sure whether to continue my career, as I needed a break after 17 years of dieting and weight cuts. I didn’t want to stop competing, but I didn’t want to harm my body, so I changed categories to buy time and decide my future.
Many athletes aim for one more Olympics. What led to your decision to retire before qualifying for Paris 2024?
It was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I listened to my head, not my heart. My career was affected by surgeries and injuries due to poor early coaching. With my new coach, our first goal was to address those injuries. After six major surgeries and years of dieting, I realized I’d done all I could, and it was time to prioritize my health. Although I’ll miss an Olympic medal, I can say with a clear conscience that I gave everything.
As a seasoned judoka, how did you maintain physical and mental resilience throughout your long and demanding career?
I made the decision early on to compete in the Olympics and pursue success. While making that decision is easier than sticking with it, my determination never wavered. I remained steadfast, no matter the obstacles.
Throughout your judo journey, what have been some of your proudest moments, both on and off the mat?
I’m proud of daring to dream big and following through on my journey. Representing Hungary at three Olympics and winning the European Championship in 2020 were standout moments. Being named Hungary’s Female Athlete of the Year was also an honor.
You’ve won medals at numerous prestigious events. What advice would you give to young judokas aiming for similar success?
Be humble, persistent, and hardworking. Set goals and learn to accept losses and mistakes, as they help you grow. Life is a continuous process of learning, and if you don’t have a desire to dream or the hunger for more, you won’t succeed.
How did you manage the pressure of competing at a high level, and what strategies helped you stay motivated?
I trusted in the hard work I put into training, which gave me a sense of calm before competitions. Feeling excited is normal, but I mainly used breathing exercises to stay composed before stepping onto the mat.
Judo emphasizes discipline and respect. How have these principles influenced your life beyond the sport?
Respect is essential in all areas of life. It helps you understand and accept differences, enabling you to work with others. In the gym, at work, or in relationships, respect fosters valuable connections. To respect others, you first have to respect yourself.
What challenges did you face after switching to the 63 kg weight class, and how did you adjust your fighting style?
It was a slower weight class, so I had to adapt my tactics. I had less weight, which meant I lost more energy with each move, so I adjusted my strategy to focus on conserving energy.
Now that you’ve retired from competitive judo, what’s next for you in terms of career or personal goals?
I’m focusing on finding myself outside of sport and figuring out who I am without being an athlete.
How do you see the future of Hungarian judo developing?
There are problems in Hungarian judo, like a lack of long-term planning, accountability, and financial resource distribution. I hope that these issues are recognized and addressed by the experts responsible for the development of the sport.
Do you have plans to stay involved in judo through coaching or mentoring?
I’ll never stop being involved in judo. I currently work with the International Judo Federation, helping to organize competitions. I also try to stay connected with my former club, Honvéd Judo Club.
What has been the most valuable lesson judo has taught you, both in your personal life and in competition?
We are responsible for our lives and destinies, and we must fight for things to improve. On the tatami, you’re alone, and it’s up to you what happens. Life is similar; you can give up or fight for something better.
How did the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the pandemic impact your career decisions?
It extended my career, allowing me to win the 2020 European Championship. But the extra year was tough, physically and mentally. Two days before my match in Tokyo, I got sick, which significantly affected my performance.
What are your thoughts on the current generation of female judokas and their impact on the sport?
Women’s judo is growing worldwide. As women gain more representation, the balance in sports is improving. While society’s attitudes are shifting, I believe women are capable of delivering even higher levels of performance.
What are your thoughts on the IJF’s recent “Self-Defence for Women” event?
It’s an excellent initiative promoting gender equality and empowerment through judo. The first event during the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi was a great success.
As a role model for women in sports, how do you believe judo can contribute to women’s empowerment in regions with gender-based stereotypes?
Programs like these inspire women and help them build mental and physical strength. Gaining confidence through judo-based self-defence allows women to stand up for themselves and challenge gender-based stereotypes.
Do you have any plans to become involved in future self-defence initiatives?
Yes, if the program continues after the Paris Olympics, I’d be happy to be involved.
How has your experience as a competitive judoka influenced your work in logistics and delegation services with the IJF?
It’s a big advantage knowing the sport and understanding athletes’ needs. I draw on my experiences to ensure the competition environment is as supportive as possible.
What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered in organizing international judo events?
There are significant differences in resources between local organizers. Cultural differences and language barriers also pose challenges, but the goal is to maintain a consistent standard at all events.
What advice would you give to former athletes transitioning into roles within sports organizations?
Plan ahead and obtain qualifications during your sports career. Building a strong network and projecting a positive image also helps make the transition smoother.
What’s next for you in terms of career or personal goals?
I want to continue gaining experience, grow in my new role, and fully discover who I am outside of judo.
Athlete Hedvig Karakas, – 57 kg Lightweight and – 63 kg Middleweight Judoka formerly representing Hungary.
- Instagram: @karakashedi
- Facebook account and page: @karakashedi and @hedikarakas
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
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- Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
