Gabriella Willems Triumphs in Women's -70 kg Judo Bronze Medal Contest at Paris 2024

On July 31, 2024, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games witnessed an exhilarating battle in the Women's -70 kg Judo bronze medal contest held at the renowned Champ-de-Mars Arena. Belgian judoka Gabriella Willems faced off against Sanne van Dijke from the Netherlands in a highly anticipated match.

The contest commenced at 16:54 local time and was filled with tension as both athletes showcased their skills on the mat. Willems, competing in white, weighed in at 69.4 kg and was ranked 22nd in the world prior to the contest. Van Dijke, donning blue, had a competitive bodyweight of 70.0 kg and held a higher world ranking of 5th. This disparity in rankings added an extra layer of excitement to the match as Willems aimed to defy expectations.

The match was officially judged by Raul Camacho Perez from Spain, ensuring a fair and professional adjudication of the contest. The excitement peaked when Willems executed a remarkable technique known as 'Sumi-gaeshi' at just 1:51 into the match, scoring a Waza-ari, which marked a significant turning point in her favor.

Willems displayed exceptional technique and composure throughout the contest, ultimately leading to her victory as she accumulated 1 Waza-ari and successfully defended against Van Dijke's attempts to score. The match concluded after the full duration of 4 minutes, with Willems emerging victorious, securing a bronze medal for Belgium and further establishing her talent on the international judo stage.

This contest not only highlights Willems’ skill and determination but also reflects the competitive spirit of women's judo at the Olympic level. As she stepped off the mat, the Belgian athlete was met with applause and cheers from supporters, celebrating her well-deserved achievement in Paris 2024.