Lynn Roethke

Lynn Roethke competed at the 1988 Olympics when judo was a demonstration sport for women, finishing second in her class. She competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics after women’s judo had become a full medal sport. Roethke was twice a medalist in judo at the Pan American Games, winning gold in 1987 and silver in 1991. She also won a 1983 Pan American gold medal in sambo, a martial art mostly popular in Russia that is a combination of wrestling and judo. Roethke was silver medalist at the 1987 World Championships. She was a 9-time US Champion and a 5-time gold medalist at the US Olympic Festivals. Roethke was chosen as US Judo Female Athlete of the Year in 1985 and 1987. She is a 7th dan black belt.

Roethke, a graduate of Marian College, later started and was owner of Club Olympia, a fitness center. She is a certified personal trainer, who also teaches judo, cardio, kickboxing, boxing and circuit training at the club. She also does motivational speaking and gives judo clinics throughout the US.