Japan's dynamic sibling duo, Olympic judo champions Hifumi and Uta Abe, revealed on Tuesday their mutual determination to defend their titles at the upcoming Paris Games, sparking each other's ambitions along the way.
Having clinched individual gold medals within a mere hour of each other at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the Abe siblings are poised to once again dominate the judo arena in Paris, boasting formidable records as four-time world champions each.
Expressing his resolve not to be overshadowed by his younger sister this summer, 26-year-old Hifumi Abe shared, "I know we are both working hard and we share the same target; that fact alone helps me. When I see her working hard and putting in the effort, it gives me strength and makes me think that I have to work hard too."
Hifumi secured the men's under-66kg Olympic title in Tokyo by defeating Georgia's Vazha Margvelashvili, shortly after Uta triumphed in the women's under-52kg category against France's Amandine Buchard.
Looking ahead to their parallel quests in Paris, 23-year-old Uta emphasised the importance of mutual support, stating, "If we both progress through the tournament, then that helps support each other. The most important thing is to keep winning so that we can both reach the final and win."
Following their Olympic triumphs, both siblings continued their winning streak by clinching world titles in 2022 and 2023 in their respective weight divisions.
For Hifumi, competing at an Olympics away from home presents a significant challenge, but he remains undaunted, saying, "There will be a time difference, so I have to make sure I prepare myself right to be in good shape. With the judo side of it, as long as I prepare myself as I normally do, I'm confident there is no way I will lose."
