Q&A
Has the United States ever won a gold medal in judo?
No, but that could change this year! In 1999, I became the first American in 12 years to win a judo world title. The United States has won eight Olympic medals in the sport, including my bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

What is the difference between karate, Taekwondo, and judo?
There are no punches or kicks in judo. It is a grappling martial art. It is very frustrating when someone asks me to show him or her a "judo chop," because judo is more wrestling and grappling -- not "chopping," punching, or kicking.

Are there any customs or formalities in a judo match?
At the end of a judo match it is customary to bow to your opponent. You can get kicked out of a tournament if you do not bow to your opponent.

How did you get started in judo?
My mother and father are both black belts, the highest ranking in judo. My father was a judo instructor. I began judo when I was just two years old. I wrestled in high school and college. This helped my judo grappling.

How are you preparing for the Olympic Games?
Regardless of what tournaments I fight in now, they are all training because the only tournament that matters is the Olympic Games. I use my 1996 Olympic medal and World Championship gold medal as confidence builders. If I prepare the way I prepared for the World Championship, I am one of the best conditioned athletes, and I fight to my ability, I know that I am going to come away with a gold medal.

The Olympic Spirit in YOU!
Jimmy Pedro uses discipline to keep on top of his sport. He uses his strengths to become a champion. How can you use your strengths to improve the things you do?

Write down a skill you have, and that you do really well. Write down the steps that you took to achieve this skill. Prepare an oral presentation about what you have written. Share it with a friend or teammate. How can you use the strength of your good skill to improve a lesser skill?

More Interviews

With thanks to Bob Schaller. For more great stories about Olympians, ask your librarian about The Olympic Dream and Spirit, Vol. 1,2, and 3, with Mr. Schaller, and Awaken the Olympian Within compiled by John Naber.