Katarina Kristo Triumphs in Judo Women's -63 kg Quarterfinals at Paris 2024

The Women’s -63 kg Quarterfinals of Judo at the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed an exhilarating showdown on July 30, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. Competing fiercely, Croatian judoka Katarina Kristo faced off against South Korea's Jisu Kim in a much-anticipated match.

Kristo, who entered the match ranked 12th in the world, showcased her skill and determination right from the start. Weighing in at 62.7 kg, she was slightly lighter than her opponent Kim, who weighed in at 62.9 kg and was ranked 16th globally. The match began with both athletes displaying their techniques, but it was Kristo who took the lead, effectively using her agility and tactics to control the pace of the fight.

The contest reached a critical moment at 4 minutes and 32 seconds when Kristo executed a stunning Sumi-gaeshi technique, earning her an 'IPP' score and securing victory over Kim. This impressive move not only showcased her technical prowess but also highlighted her mental fortitude under pressure. The final score saw Kristo advancing with a total of 10 points compared to Kim's 0, marking a decisive win for the Croatian athlete.

As the match concluded, the referee, Akiko Amano from Japan, confirmed the official results. With this victory, Katarina Kristo advanced to the semifinals, keeping her Olympic dream alive and demonstrating her potential to compete for a medal.

This quarterfinal match was a testament to the high level of competition and skill present in the Judo events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Fans around the world are now eagerly anticipating Kristo's next challenge as she aims for Olympic glory in the upcoming rounds.