Elvismar Rodriguez cannot complete third Olympic Games

Elvismar Rodriguez from Venezuela, has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. Despite being in a position to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she will not represent Venezuela in the -70kg division. Over the years, the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have invested in her development, recognising her as a talented and dedicated athlete. Her journey includes competing in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. For the Olympic Games in Paris though she is suspended for missing her whereabouts.

Rodriguez: "Currently, I have so many mixed feelings. I think I still haven’t fully grasped what is really happening right now. The last few months have been incredibly difficult—competing while knowing the severity of my situation and the possibility that I might not make it to the Olympic Games. I’ve had to give statements, attend meetings, train, and deal with all the other pressures that come with it."

Born  in 1997, in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Elvismar Rodriguez began her judo career at the age of nine. Her mother’s friend, Katiuska Santaella, who later became the president of the Venezuelan Judo Federation, saw potential in young Elvismar and encouraged her to join the sport. Training initially at the Venalum Sports Centre in Puerto Ordaz, she quickly showed promise and dedication to judo.

Elvismar’s first significant international success came at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, where she won a bronze medal in the -78kg category. This achievement set the stage for her future in judo, highlighting her potential as a top-tier athlete. She made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games at just 19 years old, becoming the youngest female judoka to represent Venezuela at the Olympics, finishing 17th.

Over the years, Elvismar has accumulated numerous accolades. Her major achievements include winning gold at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima and bronze in 2023. She also earned multiple medals at the Pan American Championships, including silver in 2018 and bronze in 2017, 2019, and 2020. On the World Judo Tour, she has collected 19 medals, with her most notable victory being at the 2016 Budapest Grand Prix. Additionally, she has participated in several World Championships, with her best result being ninth place in 2021 in Budapest.

Rodriguez: "I believe the sanction from the IJF for my doping violation is somewhat unfair, especially compared to the penalties given to other athletes with similar whereabouts errors. I don't understand the criteria they use to determine suspension lengths. Even my judo colleagues think the punishment is unjust."

In 2018, Elvismar received a grant through an Olympic Solidarity programme to train at Tokai University in Hiratsuka, Japan. This move marked a significant turning point in her career. Training in Japan allowed her to hone her skills and compete against some of the best judokas in the world. She also immersed herself in Japanese culture, learning the language and pursuing a degree in physical education from Tokai University. Reflecting on her time in Japan, Elvismar stated, "Coming to Japan has been one of the best decisions I have ever made."

Elvismar Rodriguez is not just an accomplished athlete but also a person with a rich personal life and varied interests. She speaks multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, eating, and sleeping. Elvismar finds inspiration from her mother, Uvilma Ruiz, who has been a significant influence throughout her career. Her coach has also been a steadfast supporter, providing guidance and motivation at every step. Elvismar idolizes Colombian judoka Yuri Alvear, a two-time Olympic medallist and six-time world championship medallist. She admires Alvear not only for her achievements in judo but also for her character and dedication.

Rodriguez: "I put my trust in God. Qualifying for the Olympic Games as a Venezuelan athlete, or any athlete from Latin America, is not easy. It involves years of sacrifice, dealing with irregularities, economic challenges, and difficulties in attending competitions. What’s happening to me now is hard to believe. My faith is in God and His will, and if I am not in Paris 2024, it’s because He has decided so. Maybe today and tomorrow, I won’t understand why things happen, but I am sure I will understand it in the future."

Despite not competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Elvismar remains focused on her long-term goals. She dreams of winning world and Olympic medals and strives to achieve this through daily hard work and dedication. Additionally, she aspires to start her own business and achieve success beyond the judo mat. Her sporting philosophy, inspired by Philippians 4:13, is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," reflecting her resilient and positive mindset.

Rodriguez: "I think many athletes can relate to the process I am going through right now. Many people ask me about it, and I hope something positive comes out of this situation: judokas will understand the importance of knowing the Whereabouts program perfectly. I believe my case will serve as an example for many judokas today and in the future."

Rodriguez: "Currently, I have so many mixed feelings. I think I still haven’t fully grasped what is really happening right now. The last few months have been incredibly difficult, competing while knowing the severity of my situation and the possibility that I might not make it to the Olympic Games. I’ve had to give statements, attend meetings, train, and deal with all the other pressures that come with it."