Dutch Judo Association appoints Guillaume Elmont as New Director of Elite Sports

As of May 1, Guillaume Elmont will join Judo Bond Nederland (JBN) as the new Director of Elite Sports. In this role, the former judo world champion will be responsible for shaping the elite sports policy for both judo and jiujitsu in the Netherlands.

Elmont had a highly successful career as a judoka, winning a world title in 2005 and multiple medals at European and World Championships. He competed in three Olympic Games, with his best result being a fifth-place finish in 2008. On the national stage, the Rotterdam-born athlete claimed an impressive eleven consecutive Dutch titles.  
While still an active competitor, Elmont successfully completed a degree in Psychology. After retiring from professional judo in 2015, he focused on his role as a performance coach at Ajax, where he was responsible for the development and guidance of elite athletes within the organization. Over the past years, he has further specialized as an independent entrepreneur in performance optimization and strategic talent management.  
JBN Chairman Thomas van Gestel explained the decision to appoint Elmont:  
“With Guillaume, we bring in someone who not only has an incredible track record in judo but has also proven his expertise beyond the tatami. With his experience in talent development, team coordination, performance psychology, and strategic management, we are convinced that he is the right person for the job.”  
“In our discussions, Guillaume also impressed us with his strong ambition to contribute to the sport he loves. He knows the tatami like no other but also brings valuable insights from other sports and possesses a healthy dose of innovative thinking. This combination will help him and his team unlock the full potential of our current top athletes and the promising generation behind them.”  
Elmont himself is eager to get started at Papendal:  
“Judo is my passion, and I am returning with great energy to contribute to the future of our sports. My motivation is to create a strong and sustainable elite sports environment, where talents and coaches receive the right support to excel. With a clear vision, innovation, and collaboration, I aim to build a foundation that will allow the Netherlands to compete structurally at the highest international level.”