Shoichiro Mukai (26 = ALSOK), the representative of the Tokyo Olympics, won the bronze medal.

In the quarter-final, he lost to his hometown Georgia’s Papunashibiri, and won the repechage with a throw to win the 3rd place playoff. Gennaro Pirelli (Italy) took the skill with a piggyback in 1 minute 32 seconds and fought for 4 minutes as it was.

Last summer’s Olympics, which first appeared, were eliminated in the third round. Although he missed the top in the international competition since then, he has returned to the battle with the world again at the 24th Paris Olympics aiming for consecutive tickets.

Even in Japan, he lost the first round in April by all-Japan selection weight (Fukuoka). On the other hand, in the all-Japan championship where weight is indiscriminate, he boldly set up a technique against Yusei Ogawa (Park 24). Although he was defeated by a second-class plus alpha enemy, he regained his motivation for judo through the challenge.[Atsushi Kinoshita]