Willian Lima Dominates in Men -66 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Willian Lima from Brazil triumphed in the Men -66 kg Elimination Round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The match, held on July 28, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, showcased Lima's exceptional judo prowess as he faced off against Serdar Rahimov from Turkmenistan.

Starting the contest with high energy, Lima quickly established control and demonstrated his superior technique. The match was intense, lasting just 2 minutes and 39 seconds, where Lima executed a series of impressive moves that secured him a decisive victory. He managed to score an Ippon, the highest score in judo, which not only highlighted his skill but also sent him directly to the quarterfinals.

Lima, who weighed in at 65.9 kg and is currently ranked 8th in the world, had previously claimed victory at the Panamerican Senior Championships in 2021. His performance in this elimination round suggests he is a strong contender for a medal in the ongoing Olympic Games.

In contrast, Rahimov, weighing 65.7 kg and currently ranked 29th, struggled to keep up with Lima's pace. Despite his previous success at the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2024 where he also secured first place, he was unable to capitalize on his experience in this match.

The match concluded with Lima advancing to the quarterfinals, while Rahimov's journey in the Olympics came to an end. The contest was officiated by referee Zhang Guangyue from China, who ensured fair play throughout the bout.

As the Olympics progress, Lima's victory not only showcases his talent but also raises the hopes of Brazilian fans as they look forward to more thrilling judo matches in the upcoming rounds.