“Judo has been such a core part of me for the past 26 years; there hasn’t been a moment in my life when judo hasn’t been there. I have lived and breathed elite judo for 16 years, including my junior years, so it was a daunting feeling when I began thinking about stepping away but on my birthday this year, last month, I finally knew, clearly, that I was finished with high-level judo."
"The decision came after reflection and I know it is now time to put my family and my health first. The sacrifices along the way have been so huge and it really is all or nothing at the top level. It is my time now and I couldn’t be more at peace with the decision."
"I remember receiving my British passport at age 16 and heading off to the European Cadet Championships to represent GBR for the first time overseas, as part of the British team in Koper, 2009. It was such a monumental moment, a truly pivotal moment towards the next 16 years that followed. I could never have foreseen that I would finish my career here today with all these accolades; a junior European bronze medal, Commonwealth Games champion, an Olympian and a double world medallist, plus everything else I achieved in-between. I have spent more than a decade touring the IJF circuit, picking up countless medals and wins. These are memories and moments I will cherish forever. The feeling of a big win is euphoric, completely indescribable. Those moments have made every sacrifice worth it."
"I wasn’t a natural born fighter but I had a resilience in me that I believe came from my hard upbringing, no matter what obstacle was thrown my way, no matter how bad things got, I would find a way to overcome and achieve."
"I always felt there was more left in me to achieve. I believe I was capable of more medals and especially an Olympic one. The Olympics has always been a difficult story for me, getting injured at all the crucial moments in each cycle, but over the years I really have learned that your value as an athlete is not assessed alone by how many medals you have or the quality of those medals but is more about your character, who you are without those medals. Becoming truly happy with or without the medals has been the biggest gain for me in recent months and so I have no regrets. I feel humbled and happy today."
"I’m so grateful I have had the opportunity to continue after Tokyo, having been met with a devastating and debilitating concussion injury while I was in peak form and in the world top 3. To come back after almost 3 years out and beat the odds, but this time as a new mother, for that I will be proud of myself forever, perhaps more proud than I am of all the medals put together."
"More than anything, I hope to leave a legacy from my career that shows every young person, especially my daughter, that no matter your start in life, your upbringing or your circumstances, you can have big dreams and achieve amazing things in this sport and in life. All you have to do is get back up after every set-back and try again."
"I want to thank every single person who has had a hand in my judo career, from age 6 right up to today. No matter how big or small the input was, I want everyone to know I appreciate them. I need to thank my mother publicly for giving me the opportunity to find judo and for being there for every moment after that."
"Thank you to everyone I crossed paths with at British Judo; despite the struggles we achieved so much together. I’m proud to have worn the flag for so many years. Thank you to my judo club, Ealing Judo Club. I couldn’t have asked for a more warm, accepting and supportive environment to be a part of; my training partners, silent sponsors, my friends, my family, the list could go on forever.
To Jo, my coach, my friend, my rock, we did it! We completed it! From the age of 11 she has been by my side, through every rollercoaster ride. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude but I just want to say thank you for taking a chance on me when I really believed I had no chance of making it.
"I will work to continue to spread my light through the sport for the decades to come, even as I take my last bow as an athlete. It’s probably a great time to mention that my next venture will take me right back to my roots, coaching judo. I have such a passion for coaching and helping others improve; it brings me so much joy. I’m excited for this next chapter. To open my own first judo club and to be a part of something now that is bigger than just me! The judo world will still see plenty of me, just in a different capacity.”
British Judo’s Development Director, world medallist Karen Roberts, 7th dan, said “It was an honour to present Nekoda with her British Judo Legacy Award on behalf of British Judo recently. It marked a career not only of medal winning performances at the highest level but as a role model and inspiration for young judoka all over the country. Nekoda has showcased the commitment and discipline required to stay at the top of your game through cadet, junior and senior levels and is an example of the resilience our judo education system creates. I am excited to see the next chapter of Nekoda’s life in judo.”
In the coming weeks Nekoda Davis will open her new judo club, in the UK, marking the beginning of her new life in judo, and the IJF wishes her every success.