Name: Asma Sharif

Weight Category: +78kg
Date of Birth: September 27, 1983

Birthplace: Los Angeles, Calif.
Hometown: Huntington Beach, Calif.

Current Residence: Wakefield, Mass.
Club: USA Judo National Team FORCE

Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles

Coach: Jimmy Pedro

Personal: One of the top-ranked players in the United States by the age of 16, Asma was a constant figure on the Senior Nationals podium in the 70 and 78kg divisions until 2004 when she took a break from competition to complete her degree in biochemistry from UCLA.  After graduating in 2006, Asma refocused on her judo career, moving to Wakefield , Mass. to train under former World Champion Jimmy Pedro and the USA Judo National Team FORCE program.  A research assistant at Harvard University Public School of Health, Asma moved up from 78kg to +78kg in March and not only won her first Senior National title, but defeated the top-ranked player in the division twice in the Pan Am Trials to earn her berths on this year’s Pan Am Games and World Teams.

World Championship Teams: 2007

Pan American Games Teams: 2007

Recent Career Highlights

2007:

Gold – USA Judo Senior National Championships 

2006:

Fifth – U.S. Open (78kg)

Fifth – USA Judo Senior National Championships (78kg) 

2004:

Bronze – USA Judo Senior National Championships (78kg) 

2003:

Gold – Fall Classic National Championships (70kg)

Bronze – Benito Juarez Championships (70kg)

Bronze – Puerto Rico Open (70kg)

Bronze – USA Judo Senior National Championships (70kg) 

Bronze – Collegiate National Championships (70kg)

2002:

Silver – USA Judo Senior National Championships (70kg)

Bronze – Junior U.S. Open (70kg) 

2001:

Bronze – Junior Pan American Championships (70kg)

Bronze – Festival Olimpico Mexicano (70kg)

Bronze – USA Judo Senior National Championships (70kg) 

2000:

Bronze – USA Judo Senior National Championships (70kg)