At -63kg, the public expected an exceptional performance from their favourite Clarisse Agbégnénou. After a cautious start, the six-time world champion and current Olympic champion seemed able to achieve the feat of winning a new title but that was forgetting that Slovenia has a rich, even very rich, history in this category. You only have to look at the statistics since the London 2012 Games to realise that Slovenia knows how to do it.
Today was therefore the day of Andreja Leski (SLO), who not only eliminated Agbegnenou in the semi-final, but also won the final. Speaking of the final, the presence of Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz (MEX) is one of those surprises that only the Games can offer. Having performed at several events on the world circuit, we knew Prisca was capable of the best, but from there to reaching the final, there was a giant step, that only she could take. Her silver medal is worth gold.
In this slightly crazy context, Clarisse Agbegnenou climbed onto the podium again and obtained her third Olympic medal after the silver in Rio and the gold in Tokyo; here is the bronze in Paris. Laura Fazliu (KOS) completed the podium in the tradition of the Kosovar school.
In the men's race, we knew that anything was possible. Takanori Nagase (JPN) is back at his best, at the best time. Suffering since his Olympic title at home three years ago, he has today achieved a magnificent performance, marked by seriousness, consistency and a great ability to surpass himself in the most important moments. With two Olympic champion titles in his pocket, he is now one of the greats of the sport.
Tato Grigalashvili (GEO) had come to get the gold. He is satisfied with silver. The taste is not the same, but the medal remains beautiful especially after his world title in Abu Dhabi this year. On the podium to accompany the two finalists, we find names that are not unknown to specialists, Joonhwan Lee (KOR) and Somon Makhmadbekov (TJK), both of whom today inscribe their name in the Pantheon of world sport.
The fifth day of competition undoubtedly still has many surprises and emotions in store for us. See you at 10am for the -90kg and -70kg categories.