Justine Bishop

Justine is a Judo New Zealand representative who has medaled 5 times at the Oceania Continental Championships, taking the Gold in 2016. She has fought in 4 World Championships, has won numerous medals at Continental Open’s and has won 7 New Zealand National Championship titles. Leading into the Tokyo Olympics, Justine qualified for The Games through the IJF Continental Quota, however, did not meet the Judo New Zealand requirements and so unfortunately did not compete at the Games. During our conversation, we discuss Judo in New Zealand, what it was like trying to qualify for the Olympics with the extra challenges the past two years have thrown at athletes, her journey to try a secure selection and what’s next for her as an athlete and coach.