For many in the judo community and beyond, this choice is significant. It tells a story, it’s a symbol, it’s a statement: women are not just present in elite sport, they are leading, inspiring and shaping the future of coaching.
In the words of the IOC’s introduction, “This collection of good practices has been developed to support Olympic Movement stakeholders in advancing gender equality and inclusion within the coaching profession. It aligns with the IOC Gender Equality and Inclusion Strategic Framework and reflects a growing commitment to increasing the number and visibility of women in coaching roles.”
However, statistics from recent Games reveal a stark reality: women made up only 13% of all coaches at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The gap is clear but so is the determination to close it.
Building Momentum: A Collective Effort
The IOC has established a Women Coaches Working Group, focused on identifying barriers and offering real, actionable solutions. One of their flagship initiatives is WISH, the Women in Sport High-Performance Pathway Programme, created to support and mentor women towards high-performance and Olympic-level coaching roles.
Among the examples showcased in the IOC’s report is the “Women in Judo Coaching Strategic Plan”, developed by the International Judo Federation (IJF), a heartfelt blueprint to ensure that women in judo are not only welcomed but are supported actively in coaching and leadership positions.
The IJF has initiated a series of targeted programmes to promote women’s coaching, including:
- Continental IJF Academy scholarships for women coaches: each year five scholarships — one per continent — are awarded to support women’s access to formal coach education.
- Dedicated IJF Academy practical sessions for women. The first of these sessions was held in Rome recently, creating a safe and supportive space for women to grow and develop as coaches.
- Participation in the WISH programme. The IJF nominates one or more outstanding women coaches from around the world to join the prestigious WISH initiative, ensuring that at least one judo coach is present in every cohort — with the aim of helping them reach the highest levels of coaching.
An Image of Change
With Lucie Décosse on the cover, this publication serves not just as a resource but as a rallying cry, a reminder that representation matters. Every woman on the mat or on the sidelines sends a clear message to the next generation: this is your place, too!
Through collaboration, education and bold action, we are not simply transforming statistics, we are reshaping the landscape of sport itself, and that is only the beginning.