Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko Triumphs in Women’s -78 kg Judo Elimination Round

In an exhilarating contest held on August 1, 2024, Ukrainian judoka Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko showcased her skills in the Women’s -78 kg Elimination Round of 16 at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Lytvynenko, competing in a white judogi, faced off against Loriana Kuka from Kosovo, who donned the blue judogi.

The match began at 10:42 AM local time and quickly heated up as both athletes displayed remarkable technique and strategy. Lytvynenko, ranked 10th in the world, utilized her signature move, the Uchi-mata, to gain an early advantage. The pivotal moment came at 2 minutes and 39 seconds into the match when she scored a Waza-ari, which significantly contributed to her eventual victory.

After a fierce 4-minute battle, Lytvynenko emerged victorious with a score of 1-0, successfully progressing to the quarter-finals. Her previous accolades include securing third place at the Tashkent World Championships in 2022, solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor.

On the other hand, Kuka, ranked 29th globally, fought valiantly but was unable to score during the match, resulting in her elimination from the tournament. The contest concluded with Lytvynenko's triumph celebrated by her supporters, while Kuka graciously acknowledged her opponent’s skill.

The match was officiated by Elizabeth Gonzalez from Mexico, who ensured that the competition was conducted fairly and smoothly. With Lytvynenko's victory, Ukraine continues to shine in the judo discipline at these Olympic Games, and fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming performances as she vies for a medal in Paris.