Noel van T End vs Rafael Macedo: Thrilling Showdown at Men's -90 kg Judo Elimination Round

On July 31, 2024, the Men’s -90 kg Elimination Round of 32 showcased an electrifying match between Noel van T End from the Netherlands and Rafael Macedo from Brazil at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. The contest was part of the Judo discipline and took place on Mat 2.

The match began at 10:36 AM local time, with both athletes bringing their A-game to the mat. Noel van T End, ranked 19th in the world, entered the bout with impressive credentials, having clinched first place at the World Championships Senior 2019. He weighed in at 89.9 kg and donned the white judogi for this match.

On the other side, Rafael Macedo, who was ranked 11th globally and weighed 89.6 kg, came dressed in blue. Macedo had proven his mettle by securing third place at the Jerusalem Masters in 2022.

The match progressed dynamically, with both competitors exchanging techniques and strategies. However, the tide turned in favor of Macedo, who managed to secure victory over van T End after 4 minutes and 40 seconds of intense action. The contest ended with a score of 10 points for Macedo compared to van T End's 0 points, marking a decisive win for the Brazilian judoka.

Macedo's victory was characterized by his ability to accumulate points effectively, with one successful score leading to the final tally. The match was officiated by Akiko Amano from Japan, ensuring that the bout was conducted fairly and within the rules of judo.

Ultimately, this thrilling encounter not only highlighted the skills of both athletes but also set the stage for Macedo to advance further in the tournament, while van T End would reflect on this match in pursuit of future opportunities. Judo fans around the world eagerly await the next round of competition as the Olympic judo events continue to unfold in Paris.