Panipak Wongpattanakit Triumphs in Women’s -49kg Taekwondo Semifinal

On August 7, 2024, the Grand Palais hosted a thrilling semifinal match in the Women’s -49kg Taekwondo event during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Thai athlete Panipak Wongpattanakit faced off against Croatia’s Lena Stojkovic in a fierce competition that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

The match began at 16:21 (local time) and it didn't take long for Wongpattanakit to assert her dominance. By the end of the first round, she had already scored 8 points against Stojkovic's 1, demonstrating her skill and strategy. The first round concluded with a score of 8-1 in favor of Wongpattanakit.

As the second round commenced, Wongpattanakit continued her offensive strategy, amassing 11 points by the end of the match, while Stojkovic struggled to keep up, finishing with just 3 points. The final score was 11-3, leading Wongpattanakit to victory and a spot in the gold medal match.

Wongpattanakit's performance was marked by her agility and tactical prowess, illustrated by her ability to execute precise techniques that earned her a series of points throughout the match. On the other hand, Stojkovic, who was seeded 4th in the event, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short against the number 1 seed, Wongpattanakit, who is also the reigning Olympic champion.

Referee Susana Boyd Diaz from Panama, along with judges Marcelo Rezende from Brazil and Guillermo Rodriguez from Venezuela, officiated the match, ensuring fair play throughout the competition. Wongpattanakit’s victory not only highlights her skills but also cements her reputation as a leading contender in the world of Taekwondo.

As the anticipation builds for the finals, all eyes will be on Wongpattanakit as she aims to defend her Olympic title and bring home another gold for Thailand. The Taekwondo event continues to showcase the incredible talent and dedication of athletes from around the globe, making the Paris 2024 Olympics an unforgettable experience.