Manuel Lombardo Triumphs in Men's -73 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In the exciting Men -73 kg Elimination Round of 32 at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Italian judoka Manuel Lombardo emerged victorious against Poland's Adam Stodolski. The match took place on July 29, 2024, at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena, Mat 2, where spectators witnessed a display of incredible athleticism and strategy.

Lombardo, weighing in at 72.7 kg and ranked 4th in the world, demonstrated his prowess early in the match. He secured a decisive victory after just 1 minute and 32 seconds, achieving an Ippon - the highest score in judo, which signifies a full point awarded for a match-ending throw. Lombardo's impressive track record includes a first-place finish at the Qingdao Masters in 2019, showcasing his experience at high-stakes events.

Stodolski, representing Poland, weighed in at 72.4 kg and was ranked 29th globally. Despite his efforts, he was unable to counter Lombardo's tactical superiority. The match included a penalty for both competitors at the 44-second mark, followed by Lombardo executing an effective Waza-ari throw, which is a half point in judo, at the 1:04 mark before finishing with an Ippon.

The match was officiated by Orlando Cruz Cruz from the Dominican Republic, who ensured a fair contest. With this victory, Lombardo moves forward in the Olympic tournament, continuing his quest for gold. His performance not only highlights his skill but also adds to Italy's proud Olympic history in judo. The next rounds promise to be thrilling as athletes vie for the coveted medals at this prestigious event.