MA Zhenzhao Triumphs in Women's Judo -78 kg Bronze Medal Match

On August 1, 2024, the highly anticipated Women's -78 kg judo bronze medal match took place at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris. The contest featured two talented athletes: China's MA Zhenzhao and Germany's Anna-Maria Wagner.

MA Zhenzhao, competing in the white judogi, entered the match as the 5th ranked judoka in the world with a remarkable record, including a second-place finish at the Tashkent World Championships in 2022. Her opponent, Anna-Maria Wagner, donned the blue judogi and was ranked 2nd globally, having recently claimed gold at the World Judo Championships in Hungary in 2021.

The match commenced with both athletes showcasing their skills, trading tactical moves and penalties early on. However, it was MA who seized the advantage, executing a Ko-soto-gake technique that earned her the decisive score. The contest ended after 4 minutes and 12 seconds, with MA securing victory through a Waza-ari, marking a significant achievement in her judo career.

Throughout the match, MA demonstrated her agility and strategic prowess, scoring a total of 2 points against Wagner, who managed only 1 Waza-ari but could not equalize the score. The Brazilian referee, Mariano dos Santos, oversaw the match, which concluded with MA Zhenzhao celebrated by her team and fans, having secured the bronze medal for China.

This victory not only adds a medal to China's tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics but also cements MA's status as a formidable competitor on the world judo stage. Fans eagerly await her future performances, as she continues to build on this impressive Olympic journey.