Interview'Disability is not a limitation': Judoka aims higher after Tokyo Deaflympics bronze
Lee Ju-ho, fourth from left, attends the medal ceremony after winning a bronze medal in judo at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics, Nov. 16. Courtesy of Korea Deposit Insurance Corp.
Lee Ju-ho, a judoka on the team run by the Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. (KDIC), won a bronze medal at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics on Nov. 16. The 20-year-old, competing on the international stage for the first time against a series of strong opponents, said, “Not giving up until the very end was the key to victory.”
The Deaflympics is an Olympic-level international competition for athletes with hearing impairments, organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. The 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics, which commenced Nov. 15, marks the 100th anniversary of the event and features competitions in 21 sports through Nov. 26.
In an interview with The Korea Times after returning home, Lee cited the repechage — a type of consolation bracket — and the bronze medal match as the most memorable moments of the competition.
“Winning in the round of 16 but then losing to an Iranian opponent in the quarterfinals was tough to accept,” he said. “Still, with the repechage ahead, I focused on regaining my composure and concentrating fully. Once I made it through the repechage, I reminded myself that I had to give everything I had in the bronze medal match.”
Lee recalled that the German opponent he faced in the bronze medal match was much stronger than expected, making it difficult even to get a grip on his uniform.
“At that point, I could only think that losing here would be the end. I pushed myself until I had nothing left, determined not to be defeated,” he said. “During overtime, I drew strength from remembering the support of Director Lee Sang-jin of the Seoul Judo Federation for the Disabled, my teammates and staff at KDIC, and above all, my parents cheering me on. That support helped me persevere, and I ultimately refused to give up and secured the bronze medal.”
Lee Ju-ho of the judo team run by Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. (KDIC) / Courtesy of KDIC
Lee’s rise to the international stage as a deaf athlete was built on rigorous physical conditioning and technical preparation.
“I’ve never been particularly strong, so improving my stamina was essential to compete against more powerful international opponents,” he said.
He focused on building endurance through running and strength training, while also studying techniques to outmaneuver stronger rivals. He noted, “Endurance and concentration were key, especially to seize the moment in overtime when my opponent began to tire.”
After making his mark on the international stage with a bronze medal, Lee is now aiming for even bigger achievements. “This medal is only the beginning,” he said, expressing his goal of upgrading his medal at the next Deaflympics.
He also hopes to contribute to the growth of judo for athletes with disabilities.
“I want to inspire deaf athletes who are just starting out, sharing my experiences from international competitions to guide them. I want to show that disability is not a limitation, and that with effort, anyone can compete at the world level,” he added.
KDIC has operated a judo team in partnership with the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Seoul Para Sports Association since 2023, employing seven athletes with visual and hearing impairments and providing proactive support.
The state-run company said that Lee’s medal represents a major milestone just two years after the team’s founding.
KDIC Chairman and President Yoo Jae-hoon said, “We will continue to provide strong backing and foster young talent, aiming to establish KDIC as a hub for the development of judo for athletes with disabilities.”