Romane Dicko vs. Beatriz Souza: A Thrilling Women's Judo Semifinal Showdown

In an electrifying match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Romane Dicko from France faced off against Beatriz Souza from Brazil in the Women's +78 kg Semifinal of Table A. The contest took place on August 2, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, where both athletes displayed remarkable skill and determination.

The match unfolded with Souza, ranked 5th in the world and weighing 135.2 kg, taking an early lead. Dicko, the world number 1 and a favorite in the competition, weighed in at 121.7 kg. The referee for the match was Veli-Matti Karinkanta from Finland.

As the contest progressed, tension filled the air. Dicko faced challenges and was penalized early in the match, receiving a penalty for an infringement at 2:02 minutes. Meanwhile, Souza managed to secure points, showcasing her exceptional technique with a Kesa-gatame hold, which led to a decisive victory.

The climax of the match was reached at 4:37 minutes, when Souza executed a pivotal move classified as IPP, solidifying her win with a score of 10 points against Dicko's 0. The result marked Souza's progression to the finals, while Dicko, despite her valiant effort and previous accolades, faced elimination in this high-stakes encounter.

Both athletes demonstrated not only their physical prowess but also their mental resilience throughout the match. Following this semifinal, Souza will be looking forward to competing for the gold medal, while Dicko's journey in this Olympic event comes to an end.

This semifinal match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of women's judo but also set the stage for an exciting final. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the culmination of this thrilling event at the Olympic Games.