Sagi Muki Retires After Illustrious Judo Career

Israeli judo legend Sagi Muki announced his retirement this week at age 33, ending one of the most remarkable careers in Israeli sports history.

Standing before reporters at an emotional press conference, Muki made clear that his departure from competitive judo was not about decline or defeat. “This was not a career of a moment; it was a mission,” he said. “Today I’m not finishing – I’m building the next thing and the journey continues.”

For more than two decades, Muki lived and breathed the sport. “Judo for me was never just a sport,” he reflected. “For years, I woke up with a goal in the morning – to be the best in the world.” That hunger carried him from a determined child to the pinnacle of global competition.

He recalled returning home at age 11 from a tournament in Holland without a medal, sitting on the sidelines in tears. “On the way back I knew one thing – I want another chance. That’s when I understood this was my dream.” That moment became the spark for a career defined by grit and excellence.

Under the guidance of longtime coach Oren Smadja, Muki rose to international prominence. His crowning achievement came in 2019, when he captured the world championship title in Tokyo. He also earned two European championships and an Olympic bronze medal as part of Israel’s team at the Tokyo Games.

Smadja, visibly moved, described coaching Muki as a privilege. “Already in the first training session, he impressed me,” he said. “It’s a privilege to coach a personality and human being like this. I love Sagi like my own son.”

Muki emphasized that his decision stems from personal growth, not physical limitation. “I’m not retiring because I can’t,” he explained. “I know exactly what it takes to be a world champion. If I can’t give it everything, I don’t want to be on the mat.” Now a father, he said there are moments in life he is no longer willing to miss.

His departure marks the end of an era for Israeli judo a sport that has brought the nation pride on the world stage time and again. Muki’s medals were not only personal triumphs but national milestones, symbols of Israel’s determination and excellence in international competition.

As he steps off the mat, Muki leaves behind a legacy of discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment. His journey continues not in pursuit of titles, but in shaping whatever comes next with the same passion that defined his time in the arena.

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