José Gomes, a Judo Master at the Military Academy, has made history once again by becoming a four-time world champion at the age of 71. This accomplishment was announced on Sunday, November 16, by the Portuguese Army on its social media platforms, where it also paid tribute to him.
“Military Academy’s Judo Master Becomes Four-time Champion. Master José Gomes, aged 71, has once again made history by being crowned the World Veteran Judo Champion, achieving this prestigious title for the fourth time”, stated the branch of the Armed Forces.
Master José Gomes holds the rank of 7th Dan since 2020 and “now boasts world victories in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025, solidifying an extraordinary sporting career that also includes the 7th place at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the 63kg category,” the statement emphasized.
The Portuguese Army highlighted in the same announcement that “this achievement reflects discipline, resilience, and dedication, values that are a true example for all Military Academy students“, congratulating “Master José Gomes for his remarkable career and for once again elevating the name of Portugal.”
“Always honoring Portugal!”
O 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘀é 𝗚𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 tem 71 anos e voltou a fazer história ao sagrar-se 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲ã𝗼 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗲𝗺 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗼, alcançando pela 𝟰.ª 𝘃𝗲𝘇 este prestigiado título.
Desde sempre a honrar Portugal!#ExércitoPortuguês pic.twitter.com/syXsVTEXtE
— Exército Português 🇵🇹 (@Exercito_pt) November 16, 2025
