Wim Ruska

Willem Ruska is the only judoka to have won two gold medals at the same Olympics. In 1972 he was the Olympic champion in the heavyweight and the open class. Ruska was also heavyweight world champion in 1967 and 1971. To this he added seven European titles and 10 Dutch championships during his career. He was not particularly large for the unlimited or open class (110 kg. at only 1.89 metres), but was extremely muscular and cut a striking figure with his light blond hair. Ruska began his judo career at age 20 and traveled to Japan to train and learn from the Japanese masters. He retired after the 1972 Olympics.