The penultimate day of the 2024 World Judo Championships once again offered great sporting moments in Abu Dhabi.
Jean-Luc Rougé received the prestigious 10th dan in judo from the president of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizermarking another important milestone in his illustrious career.
Franco-French final in the -70 kg category
Margaux Pinot practiced determined and impressive judo throughout the day.
The road to the final was also clear for her compatriot Marie-Ève Gahiewho flew through the preliminary phases.
Between these two teammates, It was a tense fight that came down to a golden score, but Gahie got too far ahead and Pinot was ready to capitalize, countering her compatriot for a waza-ari and securing the world champion title..
The medals were presented to them by His Excellency Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Alderei, President of the UAE Judo Federation.
“I’m world champion… It’s crazy, it’s the first thing I thought of. I dreamed of this title when I was younger, I dreamed of being champion of world because it’s a huge title for me”declared Margaux Pinot after her victory.
A breathtaking final in the -90 kg category
In the -90 kg category, the 2017 world champion Nemanja Majdov faced Goki Tajima, a relatively little-known Japanese judoka.
They both showed themselves solid throughout the preliminary phases.
This final also ended with a golden score and it was ultimately Tajima who found the strength to score and make history.
The 4th President of Croatia and member of the International Olympic Committee, Ms. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, presented the medals.
“I always look for victory, but I also want to please the public and that’s what I tried to show today”said Goki Tajima.
Anna-Maria Wagner wins in the -78 kg category
The -78 kg final saw two fierce competitors face off: the German Anna-Maria Wagnerin great shape, and the Italian Alice Bellandi who was looking to win his first world title.
Finally, it was Wagner, more experienced, who managed to obtain her second world title by forcing Bellandi to capitulate.
It was the CEO of the MET Group, Mr. Benjamin Lakatos, who presented Anna-Maria Wagner with her gold medal.
“I can’t believe it! The last three years have been a rollercoaster and this time again, before the Olympics, I can’t believe it”declared the German champion after her victory.
“This medal means a lot to me and it was a tough fight for the Olympic ticket and I think now I can say I have it”she added.
As the Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships draw to a close, athletes are looking forward to their qualification for the Paris Olympics.
We’ll see you tomorrow to follow the last day of the Judo Worlds with us.
2024-05-22 21:41:30
#gold #medal #France
