Shady Elnahas vs. Daniel Eich: A Thrilling Showdown in the Men's -100 kg Judo Elimination Round

On August 1, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris witnessed a spectacular judo match during the Men's -100 kg elimination round of 16. Canadian athlete Shady Elnahas, ranked 3rd in the world, faced off against Switzerland's Daniel Eich, ranked 14th.

The match was intense, showcasing the skill and strategy inherent in judo. Elnahas, competing in the white gi, weighed in at 99.2 kg, while Eich donned the blue gi, carrying a weight of 99.9 kg. Elnahas had recently achieved a silver medal at the Abu Dhabi World Championships 2024, while Eich secured a similar position at the Antalya Grand Slam 2023.

The bout began with both athletes cautious, exchanging initial moves and penalties. Eich managed to gain momentum early in the match, successfully executing a Ura-nage technique, which earned him a decisive Waza-ari score at 4:34, sealing Elnahas's fate with a final score of 2-0 in favor of Eich. The match concluded with Eich progressing to the quarterfinals, while Elnahas faced disappointment in this elimination round.

Refereed by Ofer Ben Zvi from Israel, the contest was marked by strategic maneuvers and a fair play spirit, embodying the essence of Olympic competition. Fans were treated to an electrifying display of athleticism, with both athletes demonstrating their dedication and skill on the mat.

This match not only highlighted the fierce competition in judo but also set the stage for the upcoming rounds as the athletes strive for Olympic glory in Paris.