Yuri retired from elite competition in 2021 having amassed one of the most impressive lists of achievements any athlete could hope to earn. Three senior world titles among 6 medals in total, 2 Olympic medals from 3 Olympic Games, 10 continental medals including 5 golds and a host of other incredible wins. It takes an outstanding level of persistence and discipline to achieve the way Yuri did and now that elite mentality is carrying her forward in her various roles beyond the tatami.
Yuri completed her university education in 2009, in the sport sector, giving her a firm foundation both academically and practically. Now, in 2025, she is putting all her education and experience to good use as a coach at home near Cali in Colombia, as the newly elected Panamerican Judo Confederation Education Director and as a member of the IJF Sport Commission. She is also a mum and tying all these strands of her life together is a huge undertaking.
“I feel very good because when I came to work with the IJF, a little over two years ago, I understood that it was a big opportunity. It was so different from being an athlete. As a member of IJF staff, I have to attend to athletes and competition management. As an athlete I just had to be concerned with me; it’s a whole new way of thinking. This IJF role opened further opportunities in the PJC. Now I’m with the PJC Education Commission and it’s a big challenge and responsibility. I want to improve things in the PJC and at all events. It’s a great opportunity for me to continue in judo.
At home I am coaching; it’s my profession. I went to university and finished in 2009 and now I have a really good group, especially among the women. I have one girl who just won the 2024 Junior World Championships, Brenda Olaya, and she also became Panamerican champion this year. Brenda is a great inspiration to the rest of the team, she is proof that they can do it. She receives my knowledge so well, a great student. I think she will go to the Games in LA and so I try to give my best to her and the other girls.
When I’m travelling, I have two other coaches who help me at my club. I do all the planning and they execute it perfectly. My athletes understand my work too and so between us all we can find a good way.”
A universal principle of judo is that although it is an individual sport, it takes a huge team effort to achieve the greatest things. Yuri is living by this princple in all areas of her life and, just as she did as an athlete, she is continuing to give everything to be the best version of herself.