Author names and institution information will not be written in this file. The summary should be written here. It should be written in Cambria, The aim of this study is to examine the reasons why judokas who achieved international success in youth categories discontinued their sport, within the framework of their individual experiences and their perceptions of the sports environment. Identifying the factors affecting athletes’ career continuity is important for understanding the phenomenon of early dropout. The study was conducted using a qualitative method, and the data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that athletes’ decisions to drop out are not dependent on a single reason, but are shaped by the combined effects of organizational, psychological, and physical factors. In particular, unfair practices at the national team level, coach-related problems, future anxiety, and injuries emerge as key determinants of early dropout. It is understood that the phenomenon of early sports dropout cannot be explained solely by individual choices, and that structural and managerial elements related to the sports system play a significant role in this process. In this context, it is recommended to enhance fairness and transparency in the sports environment, strengthen coach–athlete relationships, provide career planning support, and manage injury processes in a holistic manner.