Kadota Masami, the gold medalist from the women’s 48-kilogram judo category at the Paris Olympics, revealed significant changes to her life following her monumental victory. Appearing on Fuji TV's special program "Junk Sports" on December 23, Kadota opened up about the dramatic financial shifts she has experienced since winning gold.
During the broadcast, Kadota expressed her shock at the substantial increase in her bank account, stating, "My passbook shows amounts I've never seen before!" She went on to elaborate on her newfound financial status, emphasizing the large bonuses and income she has received from various endorsements. "It all came rushing in at once. I counted it—one, ten, hundred, thousand..." she remarked, reflecting her astonishment. Despite the joy of this influx, Kadota admitted she felt uncertain about managing this newfound wealth. She confided, "I didn’t know what to do, so I asked my parents, 'What should I do with all this money?' They have agreed to help manage it for me."
Kadota's rise to fame has also led to opportunities beyond judo. She has secured modeling roles and features in advertisements, partnering with well-known figures like Kenichi Matsuyama and Hina Hayata. During her time on the show, she chuckled, saying, "But I’ll still buy the things I want!" prompting laughter from the show’s host, Masakatsu Hamada, who joked about how her mother might spend her wealth.
Notably, students from Kadota's alma mater and local athletes also seemed to admire her transition, curious about how she navigated her career after Olympic success. Kadota mentioned she occasionally declines opportunities, such as modeling for swimwear photos, due to her comfort level with public exposure. "When asked if I wanted to shoot by the beach, I thought, 'I can't show myself off like this,' so I turned it down," she explained.
Her candid approach to discussing financial literacy and responsibility post-Games sheds light on the challenges many athletes face once they receive unexpected income. Kadota’s experiences resonate with those of other Olympians, where the limelight can bring both blessings and burdens.
Aside from discussing her financial windfall, Kadota reflected on her judo career. Born on August 6, 1992, she hails from Chiba Prefecture, where she began her judo training at Yachiyo High School before advancing to Tokyo Gakugei University and then Ryotokuji Gakuen, now known as SBC Shonan Beauty Clinic. Before her Olympic success, she already had accolades, including multiple Grand Slam titles and World Championship qualifications, having switched genres from 52 kg to 48 kg categories.
Reflecting on the Olympic experience itself, Kadota shared the excitement of receiving such attention and how her victory at the Paris Games served as validation for her hard work. Her story highlights the transformative power of the Olympics, not just as sporting events but as pivotal moments shaping the lives of athletes.
Despite the challenges she faces, Kadota welcomes her new chapter with enthusiasm, balancing her fame with her identity as an athlete and role model. "I want to embrace this phase positively and continue to pursue my passions without losing sight of who I am," she affirmed during her appearance.
Moving forward, Kadota plans to remain connected to her sport and advocate for judokas, sharing both her struggles and successes. She aims to inspire other young athletes to navigate similar situations with grace and diligence.
This honest discourse about wealth management, personal growth, and the realities of fame puts Kadota Masami at the forefront, not just as a champion athlete but as a relatable individual facing newfound challenges.
