Theodoros Tselidis Triumphs in Men’s -90 kg Judo Elimination Round at 2024 Olympics

The Men’s -90 kg Elimination Round of 32 in judo saw an exciting clash between Theodoros Tselidis of Greece and Robert Florentino from the Dominican Republic. The match took place on July 31, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, and it was a decisive battle that showcased the skills and determination of both athletes.

Florentino, who entered the competition as the 30th ranked judoka in the world, had previously claimed first place at the Panamerican Senior Championships in 2021. However, in this elimination round, he faced a formidable opponent in Tselidis, who was ranked 15th globally and had just earned a gold medal at the Tashkent Grand Slam 2024.

The match began with both competitors displaying a cautious approach, but it quickly intensified. Theodoros Tselidis took control in the later stages, executing a beautifully timed Seoi-nage throw that earned him an IPP, thereby securing his victory after a total match duration of 3 minutes and 4 seconds. Tselidis's performance was marked by his tactical prowess and precision, allowing him to dominate the contest.

The match's pivotal moments included a series of penalties against both athletes, but Tselidis managed to outscore Florentino with a total of 10 points to 0, thus eliminating the Dominican judoka from the competition.

Referee Balazs Gosztonyi from Hungary officiated the match, ensuring that the rules were upheld as the competitors battled for Olympic glory.

With this victory, Theodoros Tselidis advances to the next round, bringing him one step closer to potentially earning an Olympic medal. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Tselidis as he strives to continue his impressive performance in the judo tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.