By Rich Chrampanis
2021 Shore Regional graduate Jack Yonezuka was flying under the radar during his high school career at a school that is passionate about sports. There was no varsity judo team for the Blue Devils – or anywhere in the NJSIAA, for that matter – but Yonezuka still drove an hour north to train after school, not returning home until 10 or 11 p.m. That hard work and dedication paid off when Jack secured in a spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic judo team at just 21 years old.
It’s safe to say judo is part of the Yonezuka family DNA. His grandfather Yoshisada Yonezuka coached the U.S. Olympic judo team twice and his father Nick made the 1980 Moscow Olympics team but did not compete due to the U.S. boycott.
Jack’s grandfather passed away in 2014 but his father continues the tradition of molding world-class competitors at Cranford JKC. Jack won the bronze medal at the 2022 Junior World Championships and followed that with a silver at the 2023 Junior Worlds.
He’s currently ranked 20th in the world and his older brother Nick Jr. is also world-ranked. The Two River Times spoke with Jack to get his thoughts on competing in the Paris Olympics July 29, just three days after the opening ceremonies.
The Two River Times: You’ve had time to let it sink in that you’re an Olympian. How has your life changed since being named to the team?
Jack Yonezuka: My life really hasn’t changed. Just hard work as usual. Being an Olympian doesn’t define the person you are nor will it make dramatic changes to your life. Consistent hard work and dedication to my sport is what defines me. Judo is one of the hardest sports in the world… (and) one of the most difficult sports to qualify in. Only the top 17 in the world directly qualify. The fact that I was able to qualify at a young age tells a lot about my hard work and my will to win.
TRT: What is your mindset going into the Olympics as one of the field’s youngest competitors?
Yonezuka: I feel like I have nothing to lose. I have already done the hard part, which is qualifying for the Olympics. I am going to go in with a clear head and try my best. My hope is to shock the world, but if I don’t I will try again in (Los Angeles in) 2028.
TRT: You recently spoke at Shore Regional, your alma mater. What was that experience like to see the support you have as you represent the Blue Devils and this area in Paris?
Yonezuka: It was great to go back to my high school and even my middle school. The teachers and students were genuinely happy to have me speak in front of both schools. I hope I was able to inspire many young children and even teachers to achieve their goals!
TRT: What are you most looking forward to in Paris beyond the competition?
Yonezuka: Right now, I’m just looking forward to the competition, to be honest. Being able to compete on the Olympic stage is what us athletes live for and I’m very excited to show the world my best judo and my best self.
TRT: Judo is ingrained in your family. How has your family played a role in you becoming an Olympian at just 21 years old?
Yonezuka: They have helped a ton! They always support me and are rooting for me whether they are at the competition with me or if they are watching at home on JudoTV. My parents have spent soooo much money on my competition travels just for me to fulfill my dreams. I’m most happy that I was able to give back to them for all the stress I caused my mom – when I’m overseas – and for everything my dad has done, from coaching me and finding me my biggest sponsor, NYAC. My brother has also been an amazing training partner for me. I can go on and on, but they are the best and I’m so grateful for all of their support!
The article originally appeared in the July 25 – 31, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
