Geronay Whitebooi Triumphs Over Jacqueline Solis in Women's Judo Elimination Round

In an electrifying match during the Women -48 kg Elimination Round of 32 on July 27, 2024, South Africa's Geronay Whitebooi faced off against Guatemala's Jacqueline Solis at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris. The match, which began at 10:24 AM local time, was a showcase of agility and technique as both athletes vied for advancement in the Olympic tournament.

Whitebooi, who entered the match ranked 39th in the world, demonstrated her prowess on the mat, ultimately defeating Solis, who was ranked 63rd, in a thrilling contest that lasted just under four minutes. The bout concluded with Whitebooi earning the victory after securing a decisive point, represented by the term 'WAZ', at the 3:47 mark of the match.

The match began with both competitors displaying their skills, but it was Whitebooi who took the lead early on, scoring her first point with a 'WAZ' at the one-minute mark. Solis, however, did not back down and managed to score her own 'WAZ' shortly after, showcasing her fighting spirit. Despite a valiant effort from Solis, Whitebooi's experience and tactical acumen proved too much, allowing her to dominate the later stages of the match.

The referee for this intense matchup was Veli-Matti Karinkanta from Finland, who oversaw the proceedings with precision, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for both athletes.

This event not only highlights the competitive spirit of the Olympic Games but also the dedication and hard work of the athletes involved. Geronay Whitebooi will now look forward to the next round, aiming for Olympic glory, while Jacqueline Solis leaves the tournament with her head held high, proud of her efforts representing Guatemala.