19 Facts About Anton Geesink

Antonius Johannes Geesink was a Dutch 10th dan judoka.

Anton Geesink was the first non-Japanese judoka to win gold at the World Judo Championships, a feat he accomplished in 1961 and 1965.

Anton Geesink was an Olympic Champion, having won gold at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Japan, and won a record 21 European Judo Championships during his career.

Anton Geesink won his first European title the following year.

At the 1956 World Championships, Anton Geesink was eliminated in the semi-finals against Yoshihiko Yoshimatsu.

Anton Geesink was one of the few 10th Dan grade judoka recognized by the IJF but not by Kodokan at that rank.

In October 1973, All Japan Pro Wrestling owner Giant Baba recruited Anton Geesink to join AJPW.

Anton Geesink made his acting debut in 1962, playing a detective in the Dutch film Rififi in Amsterdam.

In 1986 during the Maastricht IJF DC meeting Anton Geesink proposed that one player should wear a blue Judogi.

In 1987, Anton Geesink became a member of the board of the Dutch National Olympic Committee, and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Anton Geesink was among the IOC members suspected of accepting bribes during the scandal surrounding the election of Salt Lake City as the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Anton Geesink's name was cleared by the IOC which nevertheless issued him a warning for the appearance of a conflict of interest which could have damaged the reputation of the IOC.

Anton Geesink continued working for IOC until his death in 2010.

Anton Geesink's family was poor and he started work as a builder aged 12.

Anton Geesink died in 2010 aged 76 in the town of his birth.

Anton Geesink was survived by Jans Geesink, his wife of more than 50 years; his sons Willy and Anton Jr.

Anton Geesink was chosen as the Dutch Sportsman of the Year in 1957,1961,1964 and 1965.

Anton Geesink was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government in 1997.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Mr Anton Geesink won the gold medal in the open class as the first non-Japanese.