Caden Cunningham Claims Victory in Men +80kg Taekwondo Semifinal at the 2024 Olympics

The Men +80kg Semifinal in Taekwondo at the 2024 Olympics showcased an exhilarating battle between Great Britain's Caden Cunningham and Côte d'Ivoire's Cheick Sallah Cisse. The bout took place on August 10, 2024, at the magnificent Grand Palais, which served as the venue for this electrifying event.

From the outset, Cunningham, seeded 4th, demonstrated his skill and strategy, quickly establishing his dominance against Cisse, the top seed in the competition. The match commenced energetically, with both competitors engaging in rapid exchanges of techniques that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

In the first round, Cunningham scored a series of impressive points, including a remarkable 3-point kick (GJ) that set the tone for the remainder of the match. By the end of the first round, he led with a score of 11 to 1, showcasing his tactical prowess and physical agility.

The second round saw Cisse attempt to stage a comeback, but Cunningham's defense and counter-attacks were too strong. Despite Cisse's efforts, including a significant 2-point kick (BK2), he only managed to narrow the gap slightly. The round concluded with Cunningham still ahead, ending the period at 5 to 1.

As the final round commenced, Cunningham maintained his momentum, scoring additional points through a series of precise techniques. Cisse, fighting valiantly, struggled to keep up and ultimately could not overcome Cunningham’s lead. The match concluded with Cunningham winning decisively with a total score of 11 to 6.

Caden Cunningham's victory not only secures him a spot in the finals but also highlights his potential to bring home a medal for Great Britain. Meanwhile, Cheick Sallah Cisse displayed commendable sportsmanship and skill, ending his campaign in the semifinals but still leaving a mark in the competition. The final promise to be an exciting culmination to the taekwondo events at this year’s Olympic games, as Cunningham aims for gold.