Arthur Margelidon Falls to Manuel Lombardo in Men's -73 kg Judo Repechage

On July 29, 2024, the Men's -73 kg repechage contest at the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with an intense match between Canada's Arthur Margelidon and Italy's Manuel Lombardo. The event took place at the Champ-de-Mars Arena Mat 1, showcasing the skills and determination of both athletes.

Arthur Margelidon, ranked 9th in the world, entered the match with a notable record, including a second-place finish at the Guangzhou Masters in 2018. On the other hand, Manuel Lombardo, who held a higher rank of 4th globally, had previously triumphed at the Qingdao Masters in 2019.

The match began at 16:24 local time. Margelidon, competing in a white gi, weighed in at 72.7 kg, the same as his opponent who wore blue. The contest was tightly contested, but Lombardo managed to secure a decisive victory after 50 seconds, executing a Kata-guruma technique to earn an ippon, thereby eliminating Margelidon from the competition.

The match was officiated by referee Vladimer Nutsubidze from Georgia, ensuring a fair contest as both athletes displayed their skills and sportsmanship. Lombardo's victory not only highlighted his prowess on the judo mat but also advanced him to further rounds in the Olympic tournament.

As the games continue, both athletes remain respected competitors in the judo community, with their futures still bright in the sport.