Ahead of the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025 set to take place in Kigali from September 9 to 10, the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC), in collaboration with the Rwanda Judo Federation, hosted a special motivational session titled “Breaking Barriers through Judo: An Inspirational Session with Olympian Clarisse Agbegnenou.” The event brought together more than 40 young female judokas, including 10 athletes from Mahama Refugee Camp, who gathered to meet one of the most decorated judokas in Olympic history and to draw inspiration from her extraordinary journey as an athlete, a mother, and a global role model.
Clarisse inspires the young judokas on the mat
Clarisse Agbegnenou, who is in Rwanda for the SportsBiz Africa Forum, has built a remarkable legacy in judo. She has won five Olympic medals across Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, alongside six world titles, including her memorable 2023 World Championships triumph in Doha, just eleven months after giving birth. Her career also boasts numerous European titles, marking her dominance in the –63 kg category for more than a decade. Meeting her in person was a rare and inspiring opportunity for Rwanda’s young judokas, who look up to her as an example of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers in sport.
The session was filled with inspiration and interaction, starting with a moment of reflection on Clarisse’s career, followed by demonstrations from the young athletes, an engaging Q&A, and personalized autograph cards that made the experience unforgettable. For many of the young judokas present, particularly those from Mahama Refugee Camp, it was a powerful reminder that dreams are within reach regardless of one’s background.
Clarisse tells her life story and sporting journey to the young judokas
Young judoka feeds her curiosity from Clarisse’s life story
In her address, RNOSC President Umulinga Alice encouraged the athletes to let the encounter fuel their ambitions, telling them that the initiative was not only about breaking barriers but also about creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for sports in Rwanda. She reminded the young athletes that the journey to greatness begins with courage, determination, and the will to dream. Rwanda Judo Federation President Bishyika Christian echoed the same spirit, describing the event as a historic moment for the judo family in Rwanda and expressing gratitude to all partners who made it possible. He emphasized that such opportunities should inspire young judokas to learn from icons like Clarisse and uphold the values she represents.
RNOSC President, Alice UMULINGA provides an overview of the session
Rwanda Judo Federation President, Christian BISHYIKA welcomes the participants of the session
Taking the floor, Clarisse shared her personal story, speaking candidly about resilience and perseverance. She recalled being born premature, surviving a coma and kidney failure, and how those early struggles shaped her into a fighter long before she discovered judo at the age of nine. What drew her to the sport, she explained, was not only the competition but also the respect and courage it demanded. She recounted how she lost many times on the international stage before shifting her mindset from chasing victories to enjoying the game, a change that eventually carried her to Olympic gold. She also reflected on her return to competition after becoming a mother, culminating in her bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; a triumph she dedicated to her daughter as proof that motherhood and elite performance can go hand in hand.
With heartfelt words, Clarisse urged the young judokas never to give up, never to lose belief, and above all, to remember to enjoy the sport. Her presence, story, and message left a lasting impact, reminding Rwanda’s next generation of athletes that resilience, passion, and joy are the true foundations of success.
Session Group Photo
Judo Masters Demonstrate Sumi-Otoshi
Young Judokas Practice
Judokas from Mahama Camp
