In the three Grand Prix events she competed this year, Canadian athlete Jessica Klimkait (-57kg) always pocketed a medal. Bronze in Hohhot, silver on home turf Canada in Montréal and here in Zagreb … gold. A first Grand Prix gold as well.
Tamaoki (JPN) vs. Klimkait (CAN)
“It’s a really nice feeling and also a good progress to see myself mounting the podium each event,” Jessica Klimkait told IJF Media in the Mixed Zone. “Obviously, the win here is a bit bittersweet due to the hansoku-make disqualification of my opponent. However, that doesn’t take away how I felt about myself today: strong and hitting all the points I wanted to score. It really still feels like I won today.”
Women's -57kg medal podium
Winning that gold in the last straight line towards the Worlds is a genuine confidence booster for the Canadian athlete. “Every competition I wanted to feel the way I felt today. So, it’s really nice to have everything click in the right way, hardly a month away from the Worlds. It’s a good feeling to have,” she ends.