TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Canada’s Jessica Klimkait defeated Israel’s Timna Nelson Levy to claim bronze in the under 57 kilogram category at the World Judo Championships on Saturday.
The judoka from Whitby, Ont., was left off the gold track following a quarter-final loss to South Korean Mimi Huh.
Klimkait bounced back by beating Georgian Eteri Liparteliani in the repechage. Then, she went on to beat Nelson Levy, world No. 1 in the category, for a fifth straight time.
“I knew my opponent well and followed my game plan to the letter,” said Klimkait, ranked second in the world. To counter his forces, I dictated the pace of the fight. »
Klimkait, 25, was the reigning world champion. She also won bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Brazil’s Rafaela Silva won gold, while Japan’s Haruka Funakubo took silver. Mongolia’s Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo defeated Huh in the other bronze medal match.
