Samuel Gassner Triumphs in Men's -73 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

On July 29, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena during the Paris Olympics, Austrian judoka Samuel Gassner faced off against Syrian athlete Hasan Bayan in the Men's -73 kg Elimination Round of 32. The match was intense, showcasing the skills and tenacity of both competitors.

Gassner, competing in the white gi, weighed in at 72.8 kg and held a world ranking of 77. He had previously placed 5th at the World Championships Juniors in 2019, which highlighted his potential in this competition. On the other hand, Bayan, in the blue gi, weighed slightly more at 72.9 kg and was ranked 281st globally, though he had claimed the top spot at the Zouk Mikhael Asian Open in 2022.

The contest began at 10:36 AM local time, and after a competitive start, Gassner executed a decisive Kuzure-kesa-gatame technique at just 42 seconds into the match, earning him an IPP and securing his victory. The referee, Matthieu Bataille from France, oversaw the bout, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules.

This victory allowed Gassner to progress further in the tournament, showcasing not only his skill but also his determination to excel at the highest level of judo. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on Gassner as he aims for further success in the Olympic arena.