Catarina Costa Triumphs in Women’s -48 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a thrilling match held on July 27, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Portugal's Catarina Costa showcased her exceptional judo skills in the Women's -48 kg Elimination Round of 32. With a quick start, Costa, competing in a white gi, faced off against Germany's Katharina Menz, who wore blue. The contest began at 10:54 AM and was officiated by Roberta Chyurlia from Italy.

Costa, ranked 7th in the world, weighed in at 47.8 kg, while Menz, with a world ranking of 25, was slightly heavier at 47.9 kg. The match was intense and strategic, with both athletes displaying remarkable techniques and agility. Costa quickly took the lead with a WAZ (one of the scoring techniques in judo) at the 3:04 mark, executing a Kata-guruma, which is a shoulder wheel throw. Menz, despite her efforts, was unable to turn the tide, ultimately resulting in a score of 1-0 in favor of Costa.

This victory propels Costa into the next round, showcasing her readiness to compete for a medal in the upcoming matches. The crowd at the Champ-de-Mars Arena erupted in applause as Costa concluded the match, further solidifying her status as a formidable contender in the tournament. As the event progresses, all eyes will be on this talented judoka as she aims for Olympic glory in Paris.