Before the beginning of the first rounds, we imagine, we suppose, we calculate, on the basis of what we know or think we know, but in the end, and this is the magic of judo, we don't really know what will happen.
In this context, the World Ranking List is a good indicator, which often proves to be reliable. Based on the best results of the athletes, it determines the seeds. Today the world ranking counts more than 7,000 judoka from 169 nations. It's impressive. This demonstrates the diversity and universality of judo worldwide but as we said, if the WRL is a good indicator, it is also a source of this beautiful uncertainty that we love in sport.
We were able to see it yesterday, with Lasha Nadiradze (GEO) who appeared at a distant 354th place in the world and who left Tel Aviv with a magnificent bronze medal around his neck. Who could have predicted it? Probably not many people and yet, here we are.
This morning, we were obviously expecting the return of Clarisse Agbégnénou (FRA) to the circuit after the break in her career to give birth to her daughter. Some might have thought that despite the interruption, the five-time world champion and Olympic champion, would cross the first rounds with ease. If this was the case during her first two contests, things became complicated against Katarina Haecker (AUS) who fought a perfect battle tactically and technically to win.
These two examples could be multiplied ad infinitum and once again, it is this uncertainty that makes the beauty of our sport so addictive. This uncertainty is what shows that anything can happen until the last second. Anyone who has ever lost or won on the gong will tell you: nothing is written in advance in judo!
Following a day of competition is therefore like discovering the pages of an action novel like no other, but a novel whose most beautiful pages are written live. For those who couldn't be present in the Schlomo Arena, there were several options for following the show. The first one was to login at https://live.ijf.org or to simply visit one electronics store in Tel Aviv!
Today was an amazing day for the organisers, the day ending with the medal that everyone dreamed of, but who nobody could say for certain would happen again. There was hope and Sagi Muki transformed it into reality, a waking dream for all the spectators. His ippon in twelve seconds in the final made a whole country happy. The explosion of joy following his victory was simply magnificent to behold. It gave goosebumps to more than one spectator, in front of the eyes of Lior Raz, recently appointed IJF Ambassador, and IJF President Marius Vizer.
Yes, heroes never die and having the possibility to show it to the world is simply the best that sport and judo have to offer.
While there is one day of competition left, France is still in the lead with three gold medals, including the title of Margaux Pinot today. Just behind we find Canada, with two titles, including that of Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard. In third position are Israel, thanks to their hero.
From Saturday, at 11:00am, we will find on the tatami of the Shlomo Arena, the last five weight categories with emotion in perspective and new pages to write, that's all.