Denis Vieru Claims Bronze in Men’s -66 kg Judo at Paris 2024

The Men’s -66 kg Contest for Bronze Medal B at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a battle of skill and strategy, held at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena. The match took place on July 28, 2024, and saw Denis Vieru from the Republic of Moldova face off against France’s Walide Khyar.

As the contest commenced at 16:54 local time, both athletes showcased their technical prowess. Khyar, weighing in at 65.8 kg and ranked 16th in the world, aimed to leverage his home advantage. Meanwhile, Vieru, a more seasoned competitor ranked 1st globally and weighing 65.9 kg, was determined to take home the bronze after previously securing a second-place finish at the Hungary Masters 2023.

The match was intense, lasting approximately four minutes. The referee, Roberta Chyurlia from Italy, officiated the contest, ensuring fair play as both judokas made their moves. Initial penalties were issued to Khyar for passivity, and as the contest unfolded, Vieru managed to score a Waza-ari with a well-executed O-uchi-gari technique at 3:37 into the match, putting him in the lead.

Despite Khyar's attempts to catch up, including a late surge of aggression, he could not overcome the points deficit. The final tally saw Denis Vieru emerge victorious with a score of 1 Waza-ari, clinching the bronze medal. This victory not only adds to Vieru’s accolades but also cements his status as a leading figure in the judo community, while Khyar leaves the mat with valuable experience and determination for future competitions.

As the crowd cheered for both athletes, the match concluded with Vieru celebrating his achievement, a testament to his skill and hard work leading up to the Olympics. This contest highlighted the spirit of competition and the dedication of athletes who strive for excellence on the world stage.