Míriam Blasco

Míriam Blasco is a Spanish former judoka, born on October 12, 1963, in Valencia, Spain. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest judokas of all time. Blasco began her professional career with the Spanish national team and won various titles, including the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Blasco is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards and holds several records, such as the first Spanish woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Off the mat, Blasco is also recognized for her contributions to the sport, inspiring future generations of female athletes worldwide.

Spanish National Team

• Early and Successful Career: Blasco was born and raised in Valencia and began her judo career at an early age. She made her debut for the Spanish national team in the 1980s.

Olympic Games

• Gold Medalist: Blasco competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where she won the gold medal in the Women's -56 kg category, making her the first Spanish woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Retirement

• Post-Competition Career: After retiring from professional judo, Blasco has remained involved in the sport, working as a coach and mentor to young athletes.

Spain National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Spain in the 1980s.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medalist in 1992.
• European Judo Championships: Gold medalist in 1991.
• World Judo Championships: Bronze medalist in 1989.

• Position: Primarily competed in the -56 kg category.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and tactical intelligence. Blasco is celebrated for her competitiveness, agility, and technique.

• Family: Blasco is married to British former judoka Nicola Fairbrother.
• Post-Retirement: After retiring from professional judo, Blasco has dedicated herself to coaching and mentorship in the sport.

• Míriam Blasco is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her groundbreaking achievements in women's sports. Her impact on judo and her status as a pioneer extend beyond the mat, inspiring millions of female athletes around the world.

Olympic Games:

• Gold medalist in 1992

European Judo Championships:

• Gold medalist in 1991

World Judo Championships:

• Bronze medalist in 1989

Books

• Blasco, M. (1992) Míriam Blasco: The Biography. Valencia: Ediciones Carena.

Websites

• Olympics: Information about Míriam Blasco’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• International Judo Federation: Details about Blasco’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.ijf.org
• Spanish Olympic Committee: Official site with updates on Blasco’s performance and records. Available at: https://www.coe.es

Articles

• BBC Sport: Míriam Blasco: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport
• The Guardian: Míriam Blasco’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/miriam-blasco

Interviews and Documentaries

• Blasco (2016): Directed by Álvaro Priante. This documentary provides a detailed look at Blasco’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• Eurosport Interviews: Various interviews and features on Míriam Blasco, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.eurosport.com