Japanese judo champions Hifumi and Uta Abe, who clinched individual gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, are gearing up to defend their titles at the upcoming Paris Games. The brother-sister duo, both four-time world champions, are drawing inspiration from each other as they prepare for the highly anticipated event.

Hifumi Abe, 26, expressed his determination not to be overshadowed by his younger sister, emphasizing their shared goal and mutual support. He credits Uta's dedication and hard work for motivating him to push himself further in training.

Uta Abe, 23, echoed her brother's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of advancing together in the tournament to bolster each other's confidence. The siblings, who secured their Olympic golds within an hour of each other in Tokyo, are expected to continue their formidable partnership in Paris.

Having triumphed at both the Olympic and world championship levels, the Abes are poised to maintain their dominance in their respective weight categories. They attribute their success to rigorous preparation and unwavering determination.

As they gear up for the challenge of competing at an Olympics away from home for the first time, Hifumi acknowledges the potential challenges posed by factors such as time differences. However, he remains confident in his ability to maintain peak performance and emerge victorious.

With their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment, Hifumi and Uta Abe epitomize the spirit of excellence in Japanese judo and are poised to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.