Foto: instagram

Sakura Kokumai, born on October 2, 1992, is an American karateka renowned for her accomplishments in various international competitions. She clinched the gold medal in the women's individual kata event at both the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Additionally, she represented the United States in the women's kata event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Kokumai's journey in karate includes significant achievements such as winning a bronze medal in the individual kata event at the 2012 World Karate Championships in Paris, France. She continued her success by securing a bronze medal in the women's kata event at the 2013 World Combat Games in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 2014, Kokumai attained the gold medal in the women's kata event at the Pan American Sports Festival held in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Her excellence was further highlighted by winning the silver medal in her event at the 2016 World University Karate Championships in Braga, Portugal.

However, her path was not without challenges. At the 2017 World Games in Wrocław, Poland, Kokumai faced disappointment, losing her bronze medal match in the women's kata event against Sandy Scordo of France. Despite setbacks, she continued to strive for success, competing in various championships, including the 2019 World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar, where she finished 5th in the women's individual kata event.

Foto: instagram

In April 2021, Kokumai encountered a distressing incident during a training session when she was subjected to anti-Asian harassment, which she documented on Instagram.

Although Kokumai's journey includes moments of adversity, her determination remained unwavering. She persisted through the challenges, competing at the highest level, including the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, United States, and the 2023 World Karate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where she narrowly missed out on a medal in the women's individual kata event. Nevertheless, she rebounded swiftly, capturing the gold medal in her event at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

Kokumai's resilience and achievements exemplify her as a formidable athlete in the world of karate, inspiring many with her dedication and perseverance.