GUILLAUME ELMONT AS NEW DIRECTOR

From 1st of May 2025, Guillaume Elmont will step into the role of Director of Elite Sports at Judo Bond Nederland (JBN). The former judo world champion will be responsible for shaping the elite sports strategy for both judo and jiujitsu in the Netherlands.

Elmont enjoyed a stellar career as a judoka, securing a world title in 2005 and earning multiple medals at European and World Championships. He represented the Netherlands at three Olympic Games, achieving his best result with a fifth-place finish in 2008. Domestically, the Rotterdam native dominated the national scene, winning eleven consecutive Dutch titles.

Even while competing at the highest level, Elmont pursued academic success, earning a degree in Psychology. After retiring from professional judo in 2015, he transitioned into a performance coaching role at Ajax, where he played a key part in developing and guiding elite athletes. In recent years, he has further honed his expertise as an independent entrepreneur specialising in performance optimisation and strategic talent management.

JBN Chairman Thomas van Gestel highlighted why Elmont was the ideal choice for the position: “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.”

Van Gestel also emphasised Elmont’s forward-thinking approach: “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.”

Excited to begin his new role at Papendal, Elmont shared his vision: “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.”

Source: Hans Van Essen/JudoInside

Author: Szandra Szogedi