A reference in Brazilian judo, Luiz Onmura died this Saturday (2) at the age of 64, in Santos (SP), where he lived. He was fighting cancer (squamous cell carcinoma on the tongue), diagnosed in 2022. Known by the nickname Samurais, due to his physical strength and refined technique, Onmura was the first judoka born in the country to climb the Olympic podium at the Los Angeles Games 1984, in the category up to 71 kilos, breaking a 12-year fast.
“Luiz Onmura proudly represented the colors of Brazil and the values of judo and Olympism, demonstrating humility and fighting bravely for his life. The entire sports community regrets this loss and offers solidarity to family and friends”, said Paulo Wanderley Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), in a note of condolence from the entity.
Luiz Onmura was the first Brazilian born in the country to win an Olympic medal in judo, at the Los Angeles Games (1984) – Reproduction Instagram/Luiz Onmura
Born in São Paulo, Onmura competed in the Moscow Games (1980) at the age of 20, in the up to 65 kg (medium-light) category, but it was four years later, in the up to 71 kg (light) category, that he entered the history of national sport. , by winning bronze at the Los Angeles Games, ending a 12-year gap since the country’s first medal (also bronze), won by Chiaki Ishii, at the Munich Games (1972). The last Olympic participation was at the Seoul Games (1988). After Onmura’s bronze, Brazilian judo achieved 40 years of consecutive podiums at the Olympic Games, totaling 28 medals
“The CBJ [Confederação Brasileira de Judô] deeply regrets the loss of one of its greatest judokas, the first Olympic medalist born in Brazil. However, we will forever remember his achievements, which brought much joy to the judo family and the Brazilian people. His legacy will be eternal”, lamented Silvio Acácio Borges, president of the entity.
Onmura’s collection of achievements also includes the silver medal at the Pan American Games in San Juan (Puerto Rico) in 1979, and two other silvers in the following editions: Caracas (Venezuela) in 1983 and Indianapolis (United States), in 1987. The judoka was also two-time Pan-American Championship champion (1980 and 1988) and South American champion (1979).
“Onmura was an inspiration and an example for all subsequent generations of judokas. His achievement inaugurated a 40-year uninterrupted series of Olympic podiums for Brazil and also left a legacy of conduct off the mat. Today the judo community is in mourning”, said Olympic judo champion Rogério Sampaio, current general director of the COB.
Flamengo, one of the big clubs represented by Onmura, also paid tribute to the Olympic medalist. in a note of condolence. Sports.
The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply regrets the passing of Luiz Onmura, former Judo athlete, who wore the Manto in the 80s. Much strength to his family and friends in this moment of sadness.
“I am privileged to have been part of such a successful generation. I drank water from…
— Team Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) November 2, 2024
After leaving the mat as an athlete, Onmura worked at the São Paulo Civil Police as a shooting and self-defense instructor until his retirement. At the Rio 2016 Games, Onmura carried the Olympic torch through the city streets. He leaves his wife Stefania Ribeiro Onmura, and daughters Giulia Onmura and Yumi Ribeiro Onmura.
