Mascha Ballhaus vs Larissa Pimenta: Thrilling Showdown in Women's Judo -52kg Repechage

On July 28, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris was the stage for an exhilarating contest in the Women's -52 kg Judo Repechage. The bout saw Germany's Mascha Ballhaus take on Brazil's Larissa Pimenta, both of whom were vying for a chance to secure a medal after previous defeats in the elimination rounds.

The match commenced at 16:24 CEST and was officiated by French referee Matthieu Bataille. Mascha Ballhaus, weighing in at 51.9 kg and ranked 8th in the world, faced Larissa Pimenta, who weighed 51.8 kg and held the 10th position in the global rankings. Both athletes entered the mat with impressive credentials, having previously won significant contests, including Ballhaus’s first place at the Tashkent Grand Slam 2023 and Pimenta’s victory at the Panamerican Championships Seniors in 2019.

The contest saw a blend of strategy and skill, with both athletes demonstrating their judo prowess. The action intensified as the match unfolded, resulting in a gripping engagement that lasted until the golden score phase. Pimenta managed to secure victory with an Ippon achieved through a Kata-juji-jime technique at the 5:55 mark, marking her win with a total of one score against Ballhaus's two penalties.

This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both athletes but also showcased the high stakes of Olympic judo, where every move is critical. With this victory, Larissa Pimenta moved one step closer to her Olympic dream, while Mascha Ballhaus displayed tremendous courage and skill despite the loss. The contest was a poignant reminder of the dedication and hard work that all athletes invest in their Olympic journey.