Leo White

Leo White competed in judo at the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games. He won four judo medals at the Pan American Games, equalling the all-time record for a judoka. These included a silver in 1991 and bronzes in 1979, 1983, and 1987, with White starting as a middleweight in 1979 and then moving up to light-heavyweight. White was an 18-time National Champion, a four-time champion at the World Military Games (CISM), and won four gold medals at the Pacific Rim Games. He continued to compete as he got older and was 1998 World Masters Champion. He was a shichidan, or 7th dan black belt.

White graduated from Cumberland College in 1980 with a degree in business administration. He later became a judo coach, or sensei, and was US team leader at the 2007 World Championships, the 2007 Pan American Games, and the 2008 Olympics. He has served on the Athletes’ Advisory Council to the US Olympic Committee for over 20 years.