Natsumi Tsukuda, who recently announced her retirement following a successful judo career, held a retirement press conference on January 30 in Chiba, Japan. During the event, she recounted her journey, expressing that she often considered quitting and faced numerous struggles along her path. Unlike many elite athletes, Tsukuda did not consistently achieve success at a young age, which resulted in her grappling with the decision to continue competing. Her unique throwing technique, Tomoe Nage, set her apart in the sport, ultimately leading her to an undefeated performance over the last four years of her career culminating in her Olympic success.

Reflecting on the time leading up to her retirement, Tsukuda revealed her internal struggle and how the announcement of her retirement came even before she fully accepted it herself. She received numerous well-wishes upon the report of her retirement, which left her with feelings of sadness and regret. This period of uncertainty prompted her to reevaluate whether stepping away from the sport was truly the right decision, but eventually, she approached her press conference with a renewed sense of clarity and determination about her future.

The moment after the conference, Tsukuda demonstrated her famous Tomoe Nage throw to a reporter, which served as a poignant reminder of her skills that fans would soon no longer witness. Her expert technique and dedication to judo had reached unparalleled heights, and her retirement marks the end of an era for both her and her admirers in the sport. As she steps into her new life beyond competition, there is a strong sense of confidence in her ability to navigate this transition successfully.