Nekoda Smythe-Davis Announces Retirement From Judo

World Championship Medallist and Olympian Nekoda Smythe-Davis Announces Retirement from Competitive Judo

The British Judo community and the international sporting world are coming together to celebrate the remarkable career of Nekoda Smythe-Davis – two-time World Championship medallist, Olympian, and Commonwealth Games champion – as she officially announces her retirement from competitive judo.

In a deeply personal and heartfelt statement, the Ealing Judo Club product reflected on the decision to retire and her journey in the sport:

“It was truly a daunting feeling when I began thinking about stepping away from elite Judo in 2024, but I received the conviction so clearly on my 32nd birthday this April 2025 that I was finished with high-level Judo.

“It truly is a bittersweet moment, Judo has been such a core part of me for the past 26 years; there hasn’t been a moment in my life where Judo hasn’t been there.

“I have lived and breathed elite judo for 16 years. But the decision came on reflection that I’m no longer willing to sacrifice my family or my health to keep up with the demands of this sport or lifestyle. The sacrifices along the way have been so huge, and it really is all or nothing at this level. It is my time, and I couldn’t be more at peace with the decision.

“I remember receiving my British passport aged 16 and heading off to the Cadet European Championships to represent GB for the first time overseas as part of the British team in Koper 2009. It was such a monumental moment, a truly pivotal moment in the rest of the 16 years that followed.

“I could never have foreseen or imagined I would finish my career here today with all these accolades; a junior European bronze medallist, Commonwealth Games champion, an Olympian and a double world medallist and everything I achieved in-between.

“I spent the last decade or more touring the IJF circuit, picking up countless medals and wins, and even topping the podium a few times. These are memories and moments I will cherish forever. The feeling of a big win is euphoric and completely indescribable. Those moments have made every sacrifice worth it.”

Though success came in abundance, she spoke openly about the challenges that shaped her.

“I was never a natural-born fighter, but I had a resilience in me that I believe came from my hard upbringing. No matter what obstacle was thrown my way, no matter how bad things got, I would find a way to overcome and achieve.

“Finishing my career at this point is bittersweet. I have always felt there was more left in me on paper to achieve. I believe I was capable of more medals, especially an Olympic one.

“The Olympics have always been a sob story for me of getting injured at all the crucial moments. But over the years, I have learned that your worth as an athlete is not pitted alone on how many medals you have or the quality of those medals, but more about your character. Who you really are without those medals.

“Becoming truly happy with or without the medals has been the biggest gain for me over the past 9 months since narrowly missing out on qualification for Paris 2024.

“What I lost in the area of judo, I gained in the area of faith & peace. I truly have no regrets. I feel humbled and happy here today. I’m so grateful I even had the opportunity to try again after Tokyo was met with a devastating and debilitating injury while I was in peak form.”

One of the defining chapters of Nekoda’s story is her return to the sport after a series of long injuries and as a new mother; a comeback that, for her, outweighs even the medals.

“To come back after almost 3 years out and overcome all the odds, but this time as a new mother, for that, I will be forever proud of myself. Even somewhat more proud than all the medals put together.

“More than anything, I hope to leave a legacy from my career that shows every young person, especially my daughter, that no matter your start in life, your upbringing or even your circumstances, you can dream big and achieve amazing things in this sport and life. All you have to do is get back up after every setback and try again.”

Looking ahead, Nekoda is ready to give back to the sport that gave her so much, this time from the coaching box.

“It’s probably a great time to mention that my next venture will take me right back to my roots of coaching judo. I have such a passion for coaching and helping others improve. It’s been a skill I’ve been honing since I was a teenager. It brings me so much joy, and I’m excited for this next chapter, to open my own judo club and to be a part of something now that is bigger than just me!

“The judo world will still see plenty of me, just in a different capacity.

“I want to thank every single person who has had a hand in my judo career from the age of 6 right up to today. No matter how big or small your input was, I want you all to know I appreciate you.

“I need to publicly thank my mother for giving me the opportunity to know judo and for being there for every moment after. In the good and bad times.

“There are so many more people to name, but they’ll know who they are. The impact you have all had on me has shaped me into the person I am today, both on and off the Mat. I will be forever in debt to you all.

“Thank you to everyone I crossed paths with at British Judo, despite the struggles, we achieved so much together! I’m proud to have worn the flag for so many years. UK Sport & the National Lottery, thank you for the opportunities you have provided me with over the past 11 years as a full-time funded athlete.

“Thank you to my judo club, Ealing Judo Club. I couldn’t have asked for a more warming, accepting and supportive environment to be a part of. My training partners, silent sponsors, my friends, my family, the list could go on forever.

“I can’t find the words to say how I feel inside, but just know I truly love you all. Jojo, my coach, my friend, my rock, we did it! We completed it! From the age of 11, you’ve been by my side, through every rollercoaster ride. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude, but I just want to say thank you for taking a chance on me when I really believed I had no chance of making it.

“I hope I continue to spread my light through the sport for the decades to come. That would be my biggest wish now as I take my last bow as an athlete.”

Nekoda’s career has been marked not only by medals and podium finishes but by perseverance, integrity, and her unwavering love for the sport. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be an athlete.

Kate Howey, British Judo Interim Performance Director, praised Nekoda for her incredible career, “Nekoda has had a very distinguished career, having represented her country at every level, including the Rio Olympic Games.

“The highlight of her career for me has to be the two world championship medals she has won, and the memories I have of these two days will stay with me forever.

“It is sad that this day has come, but I believe whatever is next for Nekoda, she will succeed, and I wish her all the best with this”

British Judo extends its deepest thanks to Nekoda for the unforgettable memories and her incredible contributions to the sport. We wish her every success and happiness as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey.

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