Yonezuka Claims First Male Grand Slam Medal for U.S. in 14 Years
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by Bill Kellick
2024 Olympian Jack Yonezuka (West Long Branch, N.J. / NYAC / Cranford JKC) became the first American in 14 years to win a medal at an International Judo Federation (IJF) Grand Slam on Saturday, taking silver in the men's 73kg division at the Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. A total of 454 athletes from 58 nations are competing at the season’s first Olympic qualification event. He finished the day with an impressive 4-1 record against a tough international field.
2026 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam Results
The silver medal marked the first Grand Slam medal for a U.S. male since 2016 Olympic silver medalist Travis Stevens captured a silver at the Rio Grand Slam in 2012.
Yonezuka defeated Joshua Green (IRL) and Dayyan Boulemtafes (FRA) in two closely-contested opening matches, scoring a yuko (partial point) in each to pull out the victories.
In the quarterfinals, Yonezuka threw Hassan Doukkali (MAR) for ippon (instant win) in the final minute to move into the medal round.
Both Yonezuka's semifinal and final matches went into Golden Score (sudden-death overtime). In the semis against World No. 15 and four-time Grand Slam medalist Uranbayar Odgerel (MGL) scored a pin, one minute and 37 seconds into the extra session to claim the win.
Facing another four-time Grand Slam medalist in the finals, World No. 10 Ankhzaya Lavjarga (MGL), the match for the gold went almost two and a half minutes into Golden Score before Lavjarga scored a waza-ari (half point) to end it.
