Leo White (judoka)

Leo White (born November 3, 1957[1]) is a former Army Officer and two time member of the US olympic judo team.[2] White is one of the winningest judoka in US history.[3] White currently holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in judo.

Personal life

White was the son of a retired Army Sergeant[2] and attended Monterey Peninsula College.[4] White attended ROTC and graduated from Cumberland College in 1980.[2] In 1984, he competed in the Olympics as a Captain in the Army.[5] White along with Bob Byrd implemented a judo program in Atlanta as an option outside of serving time for minor criminal offenses.[6] White has been described as a gentleman and outstanding competitor.[7] He married judo competitor Jackie White in 1993[8] and is currently the coach at Wakamusha Judo Club.[9]

Judo

White started judo at the age of 10 and at 18 he won the 1976 United States Judo Federation Young Men's Championships.[10] White won the collegiate championships in 1976 as well as the 1980 Pan Am's[2] and AAU Nations.[4] White won a silver in the 1981 CISM games.[11] In 1982, White won two Golds in the World Military Judo Championships.[12] White was a member of the US Team that won the Dutch Open in 1983.[13] White became a 1983 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame Competitor of the Year.[14] In 1983, White beat out Brewster Thompson for a berth at the 1984 Olympics.[15] White was on the 1984 US Olympic Team as well as the 1992 US Olympic Team.[16]

References

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