Korea's Kim Hayun Dominates in Judo Women +78 kg Elimination Round

In a thrilling encounter at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kim Hayun from the Republic of Korea showcased her exceptional judo skills in the Women +78 kg Elimination Round of 16. The match, held on August 2, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, saw Kim defeating her opponent, Moira Morillo from the Dominican Republic, with a decisive score of 10 points to 0.

The bout lasted a total of 4 minutes and 44 seconds, with Kim demonstrating her prowess early on by capitalizing on her opponent's mistakes. Morillo, who weighed in at 133.8 kg, was unable to counter Kim's strategies effectively, resulting in penalties that further hindered her performance. Kim's victory was marked by a remarkable display of technique and agility, as she executed precise moves that earned her the maximum score of 'IPP'—a clear indicator of her dominance in this match.

Kim, who is currently ranked 4th in the world, previously clinched the gold medal at the Paris Grand Slam 2023, and her confidence was evident as she entered this elimination round. Her opponent Morillo, ranked 30th worldwide, held a commendable record, including a bronze medal at the Panamerican-Oceania Senior Championships in 2022, but was no match for the skilled Korean athlete this time.

The match was officiated by referee Lubomir Petr from Australia, who ensured that the competition adhered to the highest standards of judo regulations. As the contest reached its climax, Kim's tactical superiority shone through, leading to her advancement to the quarterfinals of the event.

This victory not only marks a significant step for Kim toward Olympic glory but also highlights the growing prominence of judo in the Olympic sports arena. As the competition progresses, eyes will be on Kim Hayun to see if she can continue her winning streak and bring home a medal for Korea.