-52kg: Krasniqi on her Way to Paris 2024 / IJF.org

By observing Chelsie Giles during the hotel breakfast a few hours before the start of competitions we could feel that there was concentration but also a lot of relaxation in the attitude of the judoka from Coventry. This was quickly confirmed as soon as she appeared on the tatami at the Accor Hotel Arena. Determined and precise, she used her favourite weapons, a long reach and formidable ne-waza, to win through the rounds, one after the other.

Final, Distria Krasniqi (KOS) vs Chelsie Giles (GBR)

We were therefore not surprised to find her in the final against the Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi (KOS) who, all powerful, made good use of her place as number one seed to offer herself a new chance of a gold medal.

Final, Distria Krasniqi (KOS) vs Chelsie Giles (GBR)

Krasniqi confirmed that she will be one of the favourites during the summer to win a new title, in a new weight category, which would be amazing. For the moment, she keeps focusing on her judo and today the win came from a perfectly timed o-uchi-gari for waza-ari that surprised Giles. The gold medal was for Distria Krasniqi on her way to the Paris Olympics.

Gold medallist, Distria Krasniqi (KOS)

We often heard the name of Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE) echoing in the stadium this morning, after her victories. It was not enough, however, to push her to reach the final but it was enough for her to join Ariane Toro Soler (ESP) to fight for the first bronze medal. Ariane Toro Soler took a strong lead with a really nice change of direction, concluded with a ko-uchi-gari for waza-ari. This is the first medal in a grand slam for the Spaniard.

Bronze medallist, Ariane Toro Soler (ESP)

Bronze medal contest, Hibiki Shiraishi (JPN) vs Kisumi Omori (JPN)

Japan had a guaranteed medal with Hibiki Shiraishi (JPN) and Kisumi Omori (JPN) facing off in the second contest for a bronze medal. The victory went to Omori, with an action-reaction type of movement, awarded a waza-ari, enough for the bronze medal.

Medals cheques and flowers were presented by Dr Laszlo Toth, Vice President of the International Judo Federation, President of the European Judo Union & President of the Hungarian Judo Association, and Mr Alexandra Soriano, Member of France Judo Director Committee, in charge of Para Judo and kata french team

Final (-52 kg)

KRASNIQI Distria (KOS) vs GILES Chelsie (GBR)

Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)

BISHRELT Khorloodoi (UAE) vs TORO SOLER Ariane (ESP)

SHIRAISHI Hibiki (JPN) vs OMORI Kisumi (JPN)

Final Results (-52 kg)

1. KRASNIQI Distria (KOS)

2. GILES Chelsie (GBR)

3. TORO SOLER Ariane (ESP)

3. OMORI Kisumi (JPN)

5. BISHRELT Khorloodoi (UAE)

5. SHIRAISHI Hibiki (JPN)

7. PRIMO Gefen (ISR)

7. LKHAGVASUREN Sosorbaram (MGL)