The Story
About Nora
Born on August 17, 1992, in Peja, Kosovo, Nora Gjakova grew up in a country still finding its footing after years of conflict. Yet from the age of ten, she found her footing on the judo mat — and never looked back.
The Ippon Club
Nora began training in 2002 at the Ippon Judo Club in Peja, under the guidance of coach Driton Kuka. The club — once described as having “a leaky roof and worn carpets” — would go on to produce every Olympic medal Kosovo has ever won. In that modest training room, Kuka forged a generation of champions through discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in their potential.
“Today, on the last day of 2025, I’m ending a big chapter that until now has been all my life.”
Rise Through the Ranks
Competing in the 57kg weight class, Nora steadily climbed the international judo rankings. A bronze at the 2016 European Championships in Kazan signaled her arrival. Two years later, she claimed European Championship gold in Tel Aviv, establishing herself among the world’s best.
Her Olympic debut came at Rio 2016, where the experience of competing on the biggest stage fueled her ambition. By the time the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games arrived, she was ready.
Olympic Gold — Tokyo 2020
On July 26, 2021, Nora Gjakova won Olympic gold in the women’s 57kg judo final, defeating France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique. The victory made her Kosovo’s third Olympic gold medalist ever — and it came on a day of mourning for Kosovo, as the nation grieved the loss of ten people in a tragic road accident. Her triumph brought a moment of light to a country in sorrow.
“I feel deeply grateful for this beautiful journey… fulfilled by everything I have accomplished throughout these 23 years.”
Paris 2024 & Retirement
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Nora was chosen as Kosovo’s flag bearer alongside her brother Akil Gjakova — himself an accomplished judoka and European champion. The siblings carrying Kosovo’s flag together became one of the most poignant images of the opening ceremony.
In her final competition in February 2025, Nora won a bronze medal, defeating the reigning world champion Joanne van Lieshout of the Netherlands. On December 31, 2025, she officially retired after 23 years, transitioning to coaching Kosovo’s men’s national team.
Awards & Honors
- Olympic Gold Medal — Tokyo 2020, Women’s 57kg
- European Championship Gold — Tel Aviv 2018
- World Championship Bronze — Budapest 2021
- 8 IJF World Tour Gold Medals
- Honor of the Nation Decoration — President of Albania (2021)
- Flag Bearer — Kosovo, Paris 2024 Olympics
Kosovo’s Olympic Medals
All of Kosovo’s Olympic medals have come in judo — from Majlinda Kelmendi’s historic gold at Rio 2016, to Distria Krasniqi and Nora’s double gold at Tokyo 2020. A testament to the Ippon Judo Club and coach Driton Kuka.