Ida Eriksson’s Olympic Dream Ended by Marcus Nyman

In a poignant turn of events, Swedish judoka Ida Eriksson's hopes of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were dashed. Eriksson, who competes in the -70 kg category, saw her Olympic dreams shattered after her compatriot Marcus Nyman secured the coveted Continental spot. The veteran judoka’s recent victory at the Continental Championships clinched the last available berth for Sweden, effectively ending Eriksson's path to the Games.

Born in the city of Karlstad, Eriksson (25) has been a dedicated practitioner of judo from a young age. Her journey in the sport began when she was just seven years old, in the small Swedish city of Molkom. Inspired by her father, who had trained in judo during his youth, Eriksson quickly fell in love with the sport, finding joy in performing cartwheels and other movements on the mat. Her early passion set the stage for a career marked by perseverance and achievement.

Ida Eriksson resides in Malmö, where she trains at the Swedish Judo Center under the guidance of coaches Sally Conway and Viktor Carlsson. Over the years, she has developed a preference for techniques like uchimata and ura-nage, showcasing her versatility and skill. Her dedication to the sport is evident in her numerous accomplishments. She has competed at the World Championships since 2022, achieving her best result in 2024 with a ninth-place finish in the -70 kg category. Additionally, Eriksson earned a silver medal at the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi and a bronze at the Grand Prix in Almada, Portugal, both in 2023. She also claimed bronze at the European U23 Championships in 2020 and has been a national champion across all age categories in Sweden.

Despite these impressive achievements, the road to the Olympics proved to be more challenging than anticipated. The retirement of Anna Bernholm initially seemed to clear the way for Eriksson to secure a spot in the -70 kg category. However, Marcus Nyman’s recent triumph at the Continental Championships changed everything. Nyman's victory ensured that he would take the Continental spot for Sweden, leaving no room for Eriksson to qualify for Paris 2024.

Eriksson's personal life is as dynamic as her judo career. She grew up in a supportive family, with her father Lars, mother Sofia, and younger sisters Alva and Alice cheering her on. Her father, who coached her until she was 17, remains her most devoted supporter, along with her mother. Eriksson pursued her education with the same determination she applies to judo, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Malmo University in 2024. She is fluent in both English and Swedish, which has helped her navigate the international judo scene.

Eriksson draws inspiration from notable athletes like judoka Shohei Ono and sprinter Usain Bolt, whose accomplishments motivate her to push forward despite setbacks. Her most cherished sporting philosophy is simple yet profound: "Enjoy the ride." This mantra reflects her approach to both the highs and lows of her athletic career.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Paris Olympics, Eriksson remains determined to continue her journey in judo. Her ambitions extend beyond the mat; she aspires to be a role model for young Swedish judo girls and to lead a life filled with happiness and fulfillment. She envisions a future where her experiences can inspire and guide the next generation of judokas in Sweden.