Korean Judoka Won Jin Kim Defeats Zambia's Simon Zulu in Men's -60 kg Elimination Round

The Men's -60 kg Elimination Round of 32 in judo at the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed an exciting clash between South Korea's Won Jin Kim and Zambia's Simon Zulu. The match took place on July 27, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, a venue buzzing with anticipation.

Simon Zulu, weighing in at 59.8 kg and ranked 50th in the world, came into the match aiming to leverage his experience from previous competitions, including a notable third-place finish at the African Senior Championships Individuals 2023. Zulu, donned in a white judogi, started strong but faced stiff competition.

On the other hand, Won Jin Kim, ranked 23rd globally and weighing 59.9 kg, was fresh off a victory at the Doha Masters 2021, where he clinched first place. He entered the contest wearing a blue judogi, ready to assert his dominance.

The match lasted for 1 minute and 30 seconds, and the referee, Raul Camacho Perez from Spain, ensured a fair contest. Kim's tactical prowess shone through as he quickly gained the upper hand, showcasing superior technique with a decisive ippon that secured him victory. The final result saw Simon Zulu unable to score any points, while Kim emerged victorious with 10 points.

As the match concluded, the crowd erupted in applause for both athletes, acknowledging the skill and determination displayed in the elimination round. Kim's victory propelled him further in the tournament, while Zulu's journey in the Paris 2024 Olympics came to an end in this round.

This bout not only highlighted the competitive spirit of judo at the Olympics but also set the stage for more thrilling matches to come as athletes from around the world vie for Olympic glory in Paris.