At the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi, Lee secured a bronze medal in the men's -81 kg category. He also achieved the same rank at the 2023 World Championships in Doha. These accomplishments highlight his consistency and skill on the global stage.

Olympic Journey

In July 2024, Lee competed in the Men’s -81 kg event at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. He faced Achraf Moutii from Morocco in the Elimination Round of 32 and won with a score of 1-0. In the Round of 16, he defeated Sagi Muki of Israel with a score of 10-0.

Lee continued his winning streak in the quarterfinals by overcoming Sharofiddin Boltaboev from Uzbekistan with another 10-0 victory. However, he faced a setback in the semifinals against Tato Grigalashvili of Georgia, losing 1-0.

Bronze Medal Match

Despite the semifinal loss, Lee bounced back in the contest for the bronze medal. He defeated Matthias Casse from Belgium with a score of 1-0, securing his place on the podium.

Career Highlights

Lee's career is marked by several notable achievements. He won gold medals at the Grand Slam events in Tokyo (2023), Ulaanbaatar (2022), and Tbilisi (2022). His debut victory in Tbilisi remains one of his most memorable moments.

Training and Support

Lee trains at the Jincheon National Training Centre under the guidance of national coach Hwang Hee-Tae. His family has been a significant source of support, moving homes to facilitate his training and development in judo.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Lee aims to continue his success on the international stage. As a fourth-year undergraduate student at Yong In University, he balances his academic pursuits with rigorous training schedules.

Nicknamed "Korean Thunder," Lee enjoys watching judo competitions and playing PC games during his leisure time. Fluent in Japanese and Korean, he remains focused on achieving greater heights in his judo career.

With his father's influence and unwavering family support, Joonhwan Lee is poised to make further strides in judo. His journey from a young boy learning martial arts for self-defence to an accomplished judoka serves as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.