Barbara Matic Triumphs in Women's -70 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a stunning display of technique and determination, Croatian judoka Barbara Matic triumphed in the Women's -70 kg Elimination Round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing on July 31, 2024, Matic faced off against Italy's Kim Polling in a match that showcased the very best of Olympic judo.

The contest took place at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, where Matic quickly established her dominance. With a bodyweight of 69.8 kg, she entered the match ranked first in the world, a title she earned through her incredible performance at the World Judo Championships in Hungary in 2021, where she claimed first place.

The match began at 10:48 AM local time, and Matic wasted no time, executing a flawless O-soto-makikomi technique to secure an ippon victory just 1 minute and 7 seconds into the bout. This decisive win not only advanced her to the quarterfinals but also highlighted her technical prowess and strategic execution.

Polling, weighing in at 69.4 kg and ranked 15th globally, struggled to find her footing against Matic's aggressive style. Despite her past success, including a seventh-place finish at the Abu Dhabi World Championships in 2024, she was unable to overcome Matic's superior skills in this elimination round.

Referee Zhang Guangyue from China officiated the match, ensuring a fair contest as Matic's victory was confirmed, marking her as a strong contender for Olympic gold. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, with fans eagerly supporting their athletes, but it was Matic's name that echoed triumphantly as she progressed.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Barbara Matic as she aims for the ultimate prize in judo, showcasing the spirit and skill that define the Olympic Games.