Hesham Makabr vs. Ashley McKenzie: A Thrilling Judo Showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics

On July 27, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electrified as two talented judokas, Hesham Makabr from Yemen and Ashley McKenzie from Jamaica, entered the tatami for the Elimination Round of 32 in the Men's -60 kg judo category. The match, which began at 10:36 AM local time, showcased the skill and tenacity of both athletes.

Hesham Makabr, weighing in at 59.9 kg and currently ranked 401st in the world, donned the white judogi. Despite his determination, he faced a challenging competitor in Ashley McKenzie, who weighed 59.8 kg and held a significantly higher world ranking of 57. The contest was intense, with both athletes demonstrating their judo prowess.

The first few minutes saw both competitors exchanging moves, but it was McKenzie who struck first, scoring an IPP with a brilliant Tai-otoshi technique at 2:56 into the match. The action saw Makabr penalized for infractions, which added to the tension in the arena.

Officially refereed by Akiko Amano from Japan, the bout concluded with Ashley McKenzie emerging victorious. His performance not only demonstrated his superior technique but also showcased the spirit of judo as both athletes displayed remarkable sportsmanship.

This thrilling match not only highlighted the competitive nature of the Men's -60 kg category but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting judo tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Fans from around the globe are eagerly anticipating the next rounds, where both judokas will undoubtedly continue to make their countries proud.