Katarina Kristo vs. Prisca Awiti Alcaraz: A Thrilling Women’s Judo -63 kg Semifinal Showdown

On July 30, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris witnessed an electrifying semifinal match in the Women -63 kg Judo category between Croatia's Katarina Kristo and Mexico's Prisca Awiti Alcaraz. The bout began with high intensity, both athletes eager to secure a place in the final.

Katarina Kristo, ranked 12th globally, entered the match with impressive momentum, having recently clinched first place at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2024. She stepped onto the mat in her white gi, weighing in at 62.7 kg, ready to showcase her skills.

On the other side, Prisca Awiti Alcaraz, ranked 18th in the world, donned a blue gi and tipped the scales at 62.8 kg. She had previously achieved a commendable fifth place at the World Judo Championships in Doha 2023, making her a formidable opponent.

The match commenced sharply at 16:42 local time, with both judokas displaying remarkable technique and strategy. The first significant action occurred at 1:36 when Awiti Alcaraz received a penalty for passivity, giving Kristo an early advantage. As the contest progressed, at 2:12, Awiti Alcaraz executed a Waza-ari, showcasing her prowess as she scored her first points.

As the contest neared its conclusion, the tension escalated. Kristo managed to counter Awiti Alcaraz's moves effectively and applied a Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame, leading to an Ippon at 3:10, sealing her victory. The match ended officially at 16:48, with Kristo triumphing in a thrilling performance that left the audience on the edge of their seats.

Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan officiated the match, ensuring the rules of judo were upheld as both athletes delivered an impressive display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. This semifinal bout not only highlighted the talent present at the 2024 Olympics but also set the stage for an exciting final showdown ahead.