To say that day two was full of surprises would be an understatement. Albeit it incorrect to assume, no one would have predicted the outcome of the early rounds on day two of the Olympic Games.
In the Tokyo Olympic Games, the ABE siblings, Uta (-52kg) and Hifumi (-66kg) celebrated title wins together and have since become the ultimate judo celebrities, and given their history, most assumed they would continue their dominance in Paris. However it all came crumbling down for ABE Uta as she was defeated in her second round contest by top seed, Diyora KELDIYOROVA (UZB) in stunning fashion. With this defeat, the whole day was turned upside down for the -52kg competitors. In a similar turn of events, Tokyo bronze medallist and a medal favourite this week, Chelsie GILES (GBR) also went out to Larissa PIMENTA (BRA).
So what of Amandine BUCHARD, the home favourite?
In Tokyo she claimed an incredible silver medal, and looked to be able to go all the way, but unfortunately fell in the semi final to the champion slayer, Keldiyorova, who countered a kata guruma entry from the French athlete. Picking herself back up, she then went on to face long term rival, PUPP Reka (HUN).
It was arguably their toughest head to head, knowing each other so well, Pupp was always managing to kill the signature kata guruma of Buchard, and after the regular time of four minutes, ceded only a single shido. Realising this could be her way to the medal, Buchard continued with flurries of attacks, forcing yet another shido to Pupp.
After seven minutes of fighting, Buchard reacted in a split second to an uchi mata attempt from Pupp, stepping off and using her kata guruma entry to score the waza ari. The crowd were on their feet. It was an emotional conclusion of the Paris Olympic Games for both athletes, Pupp damming her tears, but a huge embrace at the end caused a release from both.
Buchard exited the tatami, tears of relief, pride and joy were simply so overwhelming, nevertheless she enjoyed the moment with coach, Christophe MASSINA, before jumping the barrier to celebrate with family and friends including team mates Blandine PONT and Julia TOLOFUA. As she cornered the tatami in the Champ de Mars Arena, long time team mate, defending Olympic Champion of the -63kg category, and room mate, Clarisse AGBEGNENOU hoisted her in the air for another great cheer from the crowd.
It was truly a day she will never forget.
In the opposite bronze medal contest, Odette GIUFFRIDA (ITA) was forced to accept defeat based on penalties, losing out to Pimenta of Brazil. Though it would have been a devastating loss for the Olympic silver and bronze medallist, she displayed her true champion spirit to her opponent whom she cares so dearly for, understanding exactly how she was feeling in that moment.
The final had us all waiting with bated breath as Keldiyorova was on such form, spectators wondered if the -48kg Olympic Champion, Distria KRASNIQI (KOS), had an answer for her. It was impressive enough that Krasniqi had moved weight category and was in a final of another division, not something too many can boast, but in the end, it seemed that the Uzbekistan athlete simply couldn’t be beaten today. After a minute and a half of contest time, Keldiyorova scored waza ari with a drop seoi nage and continued her assault, adding her dangerous tani otoshi to the mix, and Krasniqi looked very uncomfortable. That score was enough to secure her the first Olympic title in judo history for Uzbekistan.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen