Dramatic Showdown in Women's -63 kg Judo Repechage: Kim Jisu vs Lubjana Piovesana

In a thrilling encounter at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on July 30, 2024, the Women's -63 kg Repechage contest brought forth a spectacular match between Korea's Kim Jisu and Austria's Lubjana Piovesana. The contest, which lasted for 1 minute and 21 seconds, was marked by high stakes as both athletes sought redemption after their earlier matches in the Olympic judo tournament.

Kim Jisu, competing in the white judogi, is a rising star in the judo world, having recently claimed first place at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2023. With a world ranking of 16, she entered the contest with hopes of a strong performance. She weighed in at 62.9 kg and demonstrated her skills early on.

On the other side of the mat, Lubjana Piovesana, representing Austria in blue, was ranked 10th globally and recently won the Baku Grand Slam 2024. Weighing 62.6 kg, she was eager to prove herself against the talented Kim.

The match began with both competitors displaying their tactical prowess, but it was Piovesana who seized the opportunity to execute a powerful Sankaku-jime (a choke hold) on Kim, leading to an Ippon victory at the 1:21 mark. This decisive move not only showcased her technical skills but also her ability to remain composed under pressure.

Referee Vladimer Nutsubidze from Georgia oversaw the contest, ensuring that the rules of judo were strictly adhered to throughout the match. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric as fans cheered for both athletes, witnessing an exemplary display of judo technique and sportsmanship.

As the competition continues to unfold, all eyes will be watching to see how both Kim Jisu and Lubjana Piovesana perform in their respective future matches. This repechage contest not only highlighted their dedication and skill but also the intense rivalry that defines Olympic judo. Stay tuned for more updates as the Olympic judo tournament progresses!