Alice Bellandi Triumphs in Women's -78 kg Judo Semifinal at Paris 2024

In an exhilarating contest that took place on August 1, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Alice Bellandi from Italy faced off against Patricia Sampaio from Portugal in the Women’s -78 kg Semifinal of Table A. The match, which lasted approximately four minutes, saw Bellandi execute a masterful Sode-tsurikomi-goshi technique, earning her the decisive Waza-ari point at 40 seconds into the bout.

Bellandi, who entered the competition as the top-ranked athlete in the world, showcased her exceptional skills and strategy, ultimately dominating the match. She was able to secure a total of one Waza-ari and one penalty against Sampaio, who, despite her efforts, could not overcome the pressure applied by her formidable opponent.

The match began with both athletes demonstrating their technical prowess, but it was Bellandi's quick movements and tactical acumen that set her apart. After receiving a penalty just 25 seconds into the match, Bellandi quickly regained her composure and focused on her offensive strategies. The turning point came when she executed her Sode-tsurikomi-goshi, leading to the first Waza-ari score of the match.

Sampaio, ranked 13th globally, attempted to rally back but was unable to land any significant points against the relentless Bellandi. The contest concluded with Sampaio receiving a second penalty, further sealing her fate in this semifinal clash.

With this victory, Alice Bellandi has not only secured her place in the final but also demonstrated her readiness to compete for the gold medal in the upcoming match. The final will surely be a thrilling event to look forward to as Bellandi aims to continue her journey towards Olympic glory.