Searcy Won Gold Medals at 2026 National Judo Events

The 17-year-old athlete currently holds the top national ranking in the Cadet 50 kg division.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Wrestling

Expressionist sports illustration of a judo athlete in a white gi performing a throw, captured in brushy motion. — Atlanta judoka Jannaco Searcy earned gold medals at the 2026 US Open, Junior Olympics, and Youth Nationals, securing the top national cadet ranking. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Atlanta resident Jannaco Searcy earned gold medals at the 2026 US Open, Junior Olympics, and Youth Nationals. The 17-year-old judoka currently holds the number one national ranking in the Cadet 50 kg category.

Why it matters

Searcy's success highlights the effectiveness of the Black Ice Judo program, which provides elite training for underserved youth. His performance has propelled him to a number two world ranking in the sport.

Searcy competes in the Cadet 50 kg weight class and maintains a 4.3 GPA alongside his training. He is currently ranked number two globally in the judo discipline.

The players

Jannaco Searcy

He is a 17-year-old athlete who holds the number one national judo ranking in the Cadet 50 kg category.

Joshua White

He is an instructor who operates the Black Ice Judo program at the Warren Boys and Girls Club.

The details

Searcy trains under the guidance of instructor Joshua White at the Warren Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta. He has developed his skills over the past 11 years since beginning his mentorship with White at age six.

11 years ago, Joshua White began mentoring six-year-old Jannaco Searcy.
During 2026, Searcy secured gold medals at three major national tournaments.

Season Trajectory

Searcy's ascent reflects a broader trend of athletes emerging from localized community programs to compete on the global stage. This performance solidifies his standing as a top prospect for future Olympic cycles.

Searcy's current world ranking of number two positions him as a primary contender for upcoming Olympic qualification events. His success demonstrates the practical potential for students to balance a 4.3 GPA with an elite training regimen.

The takeaway

Searcy exemplifies the potential for dedicated athletes to achieve top-tier international status through consistent local mentorship. Students and athletes can draw inspiration from his ability to maintain academic excellence while training at a professional level.