The past year has been life changing for South African judo star, Jasmine Martin. She has changed weight classes and gained a fresh mentality since moving to the Italian capital of Rome. So far, 2025 has shown signs of taking the 24-year-old judoka to the next level, writes MARK LEMKE.
The World Senior Championships are under way in Budapest, which will be her second competition since moving up to the -63kg division from -57kg. Martin’s first competition at this weight saw her being crowned African champion after winning the African Senior Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in April.
That performance has filled her with excitement for the World Championship challenge.
“In the past I have put too much pressure on myself to achieve, for example, I missed out on Olympic qualification last year and I think my performances would have been far better if I did not make it a do or die situation in my head,” she said on the eve of the global showpiece.
“In Abidjan, I just had fun. I laughed and had a good time before the competition and when I competed, I didn’t focus on winning, I focused on enjoying the sport I love. It is the same with the weight change. At 57kg I focused more on making weight than judo itself. I can’t wait to compete in Hungary. It will be a great experience and help me with my transition to 63kg.”
The Brazilian-born judoka, became Team SA’s first-ever woman judo gold medallist at the Region V Games as a 16-year-old, is now living in Rome with her partner Alice Bellandi, who is a fellow judoka and the 2024 Olympic gold medallist from Paris. Martin is loving life in The Eternal City credits those around her for making it possible.
“My new coach (former Olympian, Antonio Ciano) has created a support team that helps me with gym work, mental health and nutrition. It has made me feel like I am a part of something special. Judo may be an individual sport, but you cannot do it alone.
“Outside of judo, I love Rome. The people are friendly, and the food is amazing. It has been easy to eat healthy because the food is organic and always fresh.”
Martin’s environment, performance, and mindset tick all boxes for more success in her future, and she has made it clear that this is only the beginning of her journey.
“When I won the African Championships in April, my first thought was that this is only the start. It is a new weight, and I have a fresh, healthy mindset. Think of it like cooking, I am simmering right now and there is plenty left to complete the dish.
“My dream is to medal at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. In the buildup to that, there is the Commonwealth Games next year which I am aiming to medal in. This is the start of a long road, but I couldn’t be happier with my progress so far.”
Budapest and the World Senior Championships will provide her experience grappling with the elite, which will only aid her journey towards LA 2028.
There are two South Africans competing: Martin and Skye Knoester, both in the women’s -63kg category.
