The very successful opening of the judo competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics provided the perfect opportunity to write about a man whose leadership in the International Judo Federation has made this martial art a leading example among combat sports federations.
The expansion of judo’s geographical reach, spearheaded by his team, has resulted in 122 countries being able to participate in the Paris Olympics, the most prestigious global competition. Judo is a sport that combines physical fitness, strength, and prowess with chivalry and valor. The leadership of this international federation upholds ethical principles and human values, with the well-being of judo athletes being a top priority.
MARIUS VIZER AND A FORCED MIGRATION
I write to you about Marius Vizer, an Austrian-Romanian who has endured the oppression of dictatorship under communism, left his homeland, and understands the challenges of forced migration. His personal history may explain his deep empathy for refugee athletes.
His views on peace and friendship have always been advanced and all-encompassing. He has made extensive efforts to use judo to bring nations together. Vizer has been unwavering in his opposition to hate speech and anti-Semitism, going so far as to suspend the Iranian Judo Federation from competitions for four years.
Boukli (France) against Scutto (Zabulon Laurent/ABACA/Shutterstock)
For Vizer, sports hold a profound human rights significance. This is evident in the measures he took to ensure the participation of Russian athletes in judo competitions. He stood by Saeid Mollaei and, in a bold speech at the annual SportAccord Congress, called for greater attention to athletes’ livelihoods.
192 MALES AND 186 FEMALES JUDOKAS
The number of male judokas compared to female judokas at the Paris Olympics is also noteworthy. A total of 192 male athletes and 186 female athletes from five continents are competing in fifteen categories in Paris. This impressive statistic underscores the wisdom and effective long-term planning by the executive board of the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Marius Vizer, a self-made individual who has achieved professional and financial independence, firmly upholds his important principle: “Sports leaders should live for sports, not from sports.” His commitment to this ethos underscores his belief that those who lead in the sports world should be dedicated to the advancement and integrity of sports rather than personal gain.
