Javier Perez Polo Triumphs in Men's -68kg Taekwondo Quarterfinal at Paris 2024

In an exhilarating Men's -68kg Taekwondo quarterfinal held at the Grand Palais on August 8, 2024, Javier Perez Polo from Spain showcased his extraordinary skills and determination by defeating Souleyman Alaphilippe of France. The match was a gripping contest, filled with tactical maneuvers and impressive techniques that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The quarterfinal match kicked off at 14:40 local time and concluded just before 15:00, with Perez Polo emerging victorious after three intense rounds. The final score reflected Perez Polo's superior performance, with a score of 5 points to Alaphilippe’s 2.

In the first round, Perez Polo quickly established his dominance, scoring two points with a well-executed back kick and following it up with a solid head kick, which pushed his score to five points by the end of the round. Alaphilippe, seeded fourth in the competition, struggled to keep pace and managed to score only one point in the first round.

The second round saw Perez Polo maintain his aggressive strategy, continuing to press the attack. Alaphilippe fought back valiantly but could only add one point to his tally, bringing the score to 5-2 by the end of the second round.

As the final round commenced, both athletes knew the stakes were high. Alaphilippe attempted to mount a comeback, scoring one point early on. However, Perez Polo’s tactical prowess and quick footwork allowed him to secure the match with a final head kick that sealed his victory.

This victory not only propels Javier Perez Polo into the semifinals but also marks a significant achievement in his Olympic journey. The event was officiated by an esteemed panel of judges, including Anouer Djlassi from Tunisia as the referee and Satoru Saito from Japan as one of the judges, ensuring the match adhered to the highest standards of the sport.

With this win, Perez Polo continues to solidify Spain’s presence in the Taekwondo discipline at the Paris 2024 Olympics, much to the delight of his supporters. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on him as he aims for Olympic glory in the upcoming rounds.