Milica Zabic and Romane Dicko Clash in Women +78 kg Bronze Medal Contest

The Women +78 kg Contest for Bronze Medal B at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a highly anticipated event, showcasing the incredible talents of two elite judokas. Milica Zabic from Serbia faced off against France's Romane Dicko on August 2, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, known for its electrifying atmosphere.

Zabic entered the competition ranked 14th in the world and was a notable contender, having previously secured first place at the Baku Grand Slam 2022. She weighed in at 97.4 kg and donned the white judogi for this crucial match. On the other side of the mat was Dicko, the world number one, who had proven her prowess by winning the Tashkent World Championships Senior 2022. With a weight of 121.7 kg, Dicko wore the blue judogi and was widely regarded as the favorite for this contest.

The match commenced at 16:54 local time and ended after a brief but intense 31 seconds. The referee, Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, officiated the bout. In a swift maneuver, Dicko showcased her skill by executing an O-uchi-gaeshi, earning an Ippon against Zabic, which ultimately led to her victory. This decisive move highlighted Dicko’s technical superiority, as she accumulated a total of 10 points, while Zabic was unable to score.

Despite her loss, Zabic's journey to the bronze medal match was commendable, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Dicko's triumph further solidifies her status as one of the leading athletes in women's judo.

As the crowd erupted in cheers, it was clear that this match was not only a battle for a medal but also a testament to the spirit of competition at the Olympics. Both athletes left the mat with their heads held high, representing their countries with pride. The Women +78 kg Contest for Bronze Medal B will be remembered as a highlight of the judo events at Paris 2024.