Japan’s wrestling world is bidding farewell to one of its brightest stars. Risako Kinjo, who has claimed two Olympic gold medals, has announced her retirement from competitive wrestling at age 30.
Kinjo’s achievements are remarkable. She won her first Olympic gold in Rio in 2016 competing in the 63 kg category. Five years later, she stood on top of the podium again at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, this time competing in the 57 kg class.
Her dominance wasn’t limited to the Olympics. Kinjo captured four world championship titles, her last in 2024—this despite having become a mother two years prior. That added dimension to her story has resonated with many in sports, showing her ability to balance elite performance and her personal life.
Kinjo said in her retirement announcement that she feels fulfilled. “I’ve experienced all the joy that comes from being an athlete,” she remarked. Her decision reflects not just on her victories but on the satisfaction she found in the journey of competition, training, and growth.
It’s also notable that her sister, Yukako Kinjo, won Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 in the 62 kg division. The Kinjo sisters have both contributed to Japan’s strong reputation in women’s wrestling.
Legacy and significance
Risako Kinjo’s retirement marks the end of an era. Her consistency on the world stage—Olympics and world championships alike—places her among the elite in Japanese and global wrestling. For many, she represented technical skill, discipline, and an ability to perform under pressure.
Her return to top form after childbirth was especially inspiring. She won a world title in 2024, proving that it’s possible to come back to elite level competition after such a life change. That aspect of her story has often drawn praise not just from sports fans, but from those who admire how athletes navigate both high-performance demands and personal responsibilities.
Moreover, Kinjo’s success contributed to Japan’s dominance in women’s wrestling on the international stage. Her victories have inspired younger athletes and helped to raise the profile of the sport in her home country.
What’s next
Risako Kinjo has not outlined specific plans post retirement as of the announcement. Given her pedigree, it seems likely she may remain involved in some capacity—coaching, mentoring, or advocacy—though any formal role has not been reported yet. Japan
While her competitive career has come to a close, her influence will likely continue through those she has inspired and the standard she set. Her athletic achievements, especially under changing life circumstances, provide a model for resilience.
Risako Kinjo departs the wrestling mat with a record many dream of: two Olympic golds, multiple world titles, a return after motherhood, and a career she says she feels truly fulfilled about. For fans and fellow athletes alike, her legacy is secure.
