Now retired from elite competition, Yuri maintain’s her legacy in her native Colombia where she coaches and works daily to develop judo’s impact in South America. She’s a shining light of inspiration for all aspiring judoka but especially among the girls who have been shown, by her, what is possible with the right work, the right attitude and a positive support system.
At the 2024 Dushanbe World Championships Juniors, one of Yuri’s students, Brenda Olaya, shocked the -78 kg category into submission, winning all her contests, including the final. Colombia had a new world champion, this time in the junior ranks.
Brenda, like her coach, is already amassing an impressive prize list. She arrived in Tajikistan as the junior world number 5, thanks to her bronze medal at the 2023 edition of the junior worlds, her silver from this year’s junior continental championship and a gold from last year’s. She is also already collecting senior accolades too. Winning silver at the continental senior event this year is an indication of the career which may follow and it’s very exciting indeed.
After an emotional medal presentation under Colombia’s anthem and flag, Brenda said, “My coach is Yuri and I am always inspired by her. I believe in what she tells me. This result and future results are what I'm working hard for. Last year I couldn’t win, I could only get to third place, but this year I could do it. It means a lot to me but it is also important for everyone at home. I think it's going to be a good example to others because every day we work for this, we work to be better. The result is now very clear and others can follow and do the same.”
This is legacy in action. From Yuri to Brenda, Colombia is again on the rise; much, much more to come.