Kelly Deguchi

Biography

Kelly Deguchi was born and raised in Japan, but made the move to compete for Canada, her father’s birth country in 2018, following in the footsteps of her older sister Christa. Her first competition was the 2019 Canadian Open Championships where she won gold in the 57kg event. 

Deguchi earned her first career international title at the 2023 Sofia European Open in Bulgaria where she won 52kg gold after defeating Italy’s Kena Perna. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she and her sister Christa were both fighting for gold medals on the same day, with Kelly unfortunately losing to Australia’s Tinka Easton in the 52kg final to bring home silver. 

Deguchi brought home bronze medals from the Pan American Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024. She competed at the IJF World Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024.  She also represented Canada at the 2019 World Junior Championships.

Deguchi and her coach Antoine Valois-Fortier received a Petro-Canada FACE grant in 2023.

A Little More About Kelly

Getting into the Sport: Started judo when she was four years old as she wanted to follow in her older sister Christa’s footsteps… Outside Interests: Enjoys going to cafes and trying different types of coffee… Graduated from University in 2021… Works for a large insurance company in Japan… Odds and Ends: Her older sister Christa is also on Team Canada for Paris 2024 and will compete in the 57kg category…