Montreal, September 12, 2018 – Baku, in Azerbaidjan, is the city where Nicolas Gill will be entering the most prestigious Hall of Fame of his discipline, during the annual congress before the World Championships, on September 18. The International Judo Federation (IJF) will be opening its Hall of Fame to the 46-year-old athlete, the best Canadian judoka in history.

“I didn’t realize how others perceived me. For me, I had a certain success, but it was never enough. There will always be this feeling of not accomplishing everything I wanted to. Knowing that the international governing body thought it was enough to be inducted puts things in perspective,” said Nicolas Gill, the first and only Canadian amongst the 29 international inductees so far.

“I think that in my case, it wasn’t only for my career as an athlete, but also as a coach. It’s a combination of both,” he added.

By looking at the list of judokas he’ll be joining in September, Nicolas Gill realizes the recognition he’ll be getting. “The other inductees are all exceptional judokas, and it’s a big honour to be amongst these legends. The biggest names in history are there. They are people that you admire when you get into judo, and you never even think about meeting them one day. Now, my name will be next to theirs!”

Unwavering Allies

40 years ago, when he first stepped on the mats, the now 7th-degree black belt could never have imagined what his future was holding. Denis and Louise were there. They have supported their son since day 1, and all along the way. “My parents have been critical to my progression. Without their full commitment to my career, it would never have been possible,” said Nicolas Gill, granting them a part in his induction.

A Pride for the Judo Community in Canada

For several years, Nicolas Gill has been the leading figure of judo in Canada. His various roles made him the known figure of his discipline. His induction to the International Hall of Fame confirms his reputation around the world.

“Judo Canada is extremely happy that Mr. Nicolas Gill is to be elected to the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame. As an athlete, coach, high performance director and CEO for Judo Canada, Mr. Gill is Judo in Canada, and we couldn’t be prouder that his peers in the world have recognized his greatness and contribution to our sport,” declared Mike Tamura, President of Judo Canada.

Highlights

Four-times Olympian
Two-times Olympic medallist
Bronze: Barcelona 1992
Silver: Sidney 2000
Three-times World Championships medallist
Vice-world champion in 1993
From 1990 to 2001, he won 10 national titles in 3 categories: -86 kg (1990-1992, and 1994-1996), -95 kg (1997), and -100 kg (1998, 1999, and 2001).

Other awards:

• Québec’s Sports Hall of Fames 2006
• Judo Québec Hall of Fame 2007
• Judo Canada Hall of Fame 2008
• Canada Games Hall of Honour 2015
• Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame 2015

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada

Information:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Operating Officer
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org