USA judo star and Tokyo 2020 hopeful Jack Hatton dies suddenly aged 24
TEAM USA judo star Jack Hatton has died aged just 24.
Hatton was hoping to make the American team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
He recently competed at the Senior World Championships in Tokyo and was considered the best American judoka.
A cause of death has not been revealed at the time of writing.
A statement on the USA Judo website reads: “Jack made an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him and he will not be forgotten.
“We grieve with the entire USA Judo and international judo community during this tough time.
“USA Judo is in the process of providing grief counselling services for those in need.”
He reached the second round at the World Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation (IJF), posted on Twitter: “I’m deeply moved by the sudden death of USA Judo international Jack Hatton.
“On behalf of the IJF, I send my sincere condolences and wishes to USA Judo and Jack’s family and friends.”
TRIBUTES PAID WORLDWIDE
Originally from Massachusetts, the -81kg judoka won two Pan American Open events in 2017 and was hoping to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
A host of the sport’s top stars have expressed their shock as the news broke.
Speaking to Judo Inside, World Champion Sagi Muki said: “I am so sad to hear. Jack is one of the best USA Judoka and top athlete at the U81kg division.
“I’m so sad top hear this and I hope he is in a better place. I had a tough fight with him.
“My heart is broken.”
Most Read In Sport
And Olympic champion Khasan Khalmurzaev added: “I am in shock. Of course I remember Jack and my match against him.
“He was a very promsing athlete and I think he had a great future. It’s a pity.
“May he rest in piece. My condolences to his family.”