Clarissa Chun is a 33-year-old Asian American born in Honolulu and raised in Kapolei, who found a true passion for judo from an early age. After switching to women’s wresting in her junior year at Roosevelt High, the diminutive 4-feet 11-inch competitor went on to become a Hawai‘i State champion in 1999 as well as achieving an illustrious college career in the demanding sport. Then, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by qualifying as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.
At the 2012 Olympic Games in London she won a bronze medal in her weight class (48 kg / 105.5 lbs). Most notably, she was the first woman wrestler from Hawai‘i to win a medal at the Olympics. Quite a feat for the inspiring young lady from O’ahu.
“I like to keep my mind active and my body in motion,” she says. “A drug free existence is essential to leading a healthy, happy, and active life. By being drug free, I allow my mind the focus required to pursue my goals. Being active keeps me happy and healthy. So whether it is wrestling, running, lifting, judo, swimming, surfing, yoga, bowling or simply just walking. Find your substance and live a better life!”
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