Rafaela Silva Triumphs in Women's Judo -57 kg Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a captivating match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Brazilian judoka Rafaela Silva showcased her exceptional skills in the Women’s -57 kg Elimination Round of 16, held at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena. Silva faced off against Maysa Pardayeva from Turkmenistan, and the contest was nothing short of thrilling.

The match commenced at 12:28 PM CEST on July 29, 2024. Silva, who is currently ranked 4th in the world, quickly established her dominance on the mat, delivering an impressive performance that culminated in a decisive victory. With a bodyweight of 56.9 kg and wearing the white judogi, Silva executed a remarkable technique known as Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame, earning an Ippon at 1:46 minutes into the contest. This victory propelled Silva into the quarter-finals, signaling her strong bid for Olympic glory.

Maysa Pardayeva, competing in the blue judogi and weighing 56.6 kg, fought valiantly but ultimately could not match Silva's prowess. Despite her efforts, the 19th ranked judoka was unable to score any points in the match. Pardayeva's best recent performance was securing 3rd place at the Antalya Grand Slam 2024, but she faced a tough challenge against the experienced Silva.

The match was officiated by Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, who ensured the contest was held to the highest standards of judo. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, with spectators eagerly supporting the athletes as they displayed their skills and determination.

Rafaela Silva's victory marks a significant step in her quest for Olympic success, as she aims to build on her previous achievements, including her gold medal at the Tashkent World Championships in 2022. The elimination round showcased the intensity and competitiveness of women's judo at the Olympic level, with athletes from around the world vying for a chance to compete for the prestigious medals.