Early Life and Background
Kiyomi Sarausad Watanabe was born on August 25, 1996, in Cebu City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother from Mandaue and a Japanese father. Her early years were spent in Cebu City, where she attended St. Paul Learning Center. At the age of eight, Kiyomi Watanabe and her family moved to Japan, where she continued her education and began her judo career.
Education and Early Career
In Japan, Kiyomi Watanabe enrolled at Waseda University in Tokyo, pursuing a degree in sports science. By February 2016, she was a second-year student. Her competitive judo journey began in 2011 at the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. She quickly made a name for herself, winning a gold medal in the women’s 63 kg category at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games and a bronze at the Asian Youth Judo Championship in Hainan, China.
Rise in Judo
Kiyomi Watanabe talent in judo became evident as she achieved notable successes. In 2014, she won the Philippines' first gold medal at the Asian Youth Judo Championship held in Hong Kong. Her performance continued to impress, and she was ranked fourth in her weight division in Japan by December 2013. Her mother, Irene Sarausad, supported her continued representation of the Philippines in international competitions.
International Achievements
In 2017, Kiyomi Watanabe earned a bronze medal at the Grand Slam Paris after defeating Lucy Renshall from the United Kingdom. This medal marked the Philippines’ first in the IJF World Judo Tour. She also claimed a silver medal at the 2017 European Women's Open Tournament in Austria. In August 2018, she won the Philippines’ first silver medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta in the -63 kg category.
Olympic Competitions
Kiyomi Watanabe qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo through a continental quota. In preparation for the games, she trained with her coach in the Yamanashi Prefecture and sparred with male judokas at Waseda University. Despite her efforts, she was eliminated in the Round of 32 by Cristina Cabaña of Spain.
Recent Years and Contributions
Kiyomi Watanabe has continued to compete in judo tournaments, with notable achievements including bronze medals at the Grand Slams in Paris (2017) and Düsseldorf (2018). She has competed at the World Judo Championships since 2015, reaching the last 16 in 2017 and 2019.
Personal Life
Residing in Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo, Japan, Kiyomi Watanabe speaks English, Filipino, and Japanese. She balances her athletic career with work in sales. In addition to her judo career, she was a flagbearer for the Philippines at the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Kiyomi Watanabe journey from Cebu City to the international judo stage highlights her dedication and skill, representing the Philippines with pride on the global stage.
Kiyomi Watanabe Parents
Kiyomi Watanabe mother is Filipino and comes from Mandaue City in the Philippines. Her father is Japanese. The family moved to Japan when Kiyomi was eight years old. Despite living in Japan, Kiyomi Watanabe chose to represent the Philippines in her judo career, honoring her mother’s heritage. Her parents' cultural backgrounds have played a significant role in shaping her identity and athletic journey.
Kiyomi Watanabe Ethnicity
Kiyomi Watanabe is of mixed ethnicity. Her mother is Filipino, from Mandaue City in the Philippines, and her father is Japanese. This blend of cultures has influenced her life and career. Although she grew up in Japan, Kiyomi Watanabe chose to represent the Philippines in judo, embracing both her Filipino and Japanese heritage. Her unique background helps shape her identity and has contributed to her success as an athlete.
Kiyomi Watanabe Height and Weight Measurements
Kiyomi Watanabe is 1.7 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 7 inches. She competes in the judo weight class of up to 63 kilograms, or approximately 138 pounds. Her height and weight are important in judo, as they affect her ability to compete in her weight division and perform various techniques.
FAQs
1. What is Kiyomi Watanabe full name?
- Her full name is Kiyomi Sarausad Watanabe.
2. How old is Kiyomi Watanabe?
- Kiyomi Watanabe was born on August 25, 1996, making her 27 years old as of 2024.
3. What nationality is Kiyomi Watanabe?
- She is Filipino.
4. What is Kiyomi Watanabe sport and career?
- She is a judo athlete and has represented the Philippines in international judo competitions.
5. Where did Kiyomi Watanabe study?
- She studied sports science at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.
6. What are Kiyomi Watanabe height and weight measurements?
- She is 1.7 meters tall (about 5 feet 7 inches) and competes in the under 63 kg weight class.
7. Who are Kiyomi Watanabe parents?
- Her mother is from Mandaue City, Philippines, and her father is Japanese.
8. Has Kiyomi Watanabe competed in the Olympics?
- Yes, she competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
9. What awards has Kiyomi Watanabe won?
- She won a gold medal at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, and bronze medals at the Grand Slam Paris (2017) and Düsseldorf (2018).
10. What are some of Kiyomi Watanabe notable achievements?
- She became the Asian Youth Judo Champion in 2014, won her first Grand Slam bronze medal in Paris in 2017, and was a flagbearer for the Philippines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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