Joan-Benjamin Gaba's Silver Medal Triumph at the Paris Olympics
Joan-Benjamin Gaba, the French judo athlete, has made headlines after clinching a silver medal in the less than 73 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following a narrow defeat in the final against Azerbaijan's Hidayat Heydarov, Gaba expressed immense pride in his achievement. Speaking to the press, he emphasized the importance of self-belief, stating, "If you don't believe in yourself, no one will do it for you. So I gave it my all. I am still proud of this silver medal."
Gaba credited his mental state and the home crowd for his performance, acknowledging that the energy from the audience played a crucial role in his journey. Reflecting on his preparation and the challenges faced, he noted, "The Olympic race was long and difficult, and it ended with a great medal. I’m proud of that." With aspirations for team events still ahead, Gaba is determined to continue his Olympic journey for France.
Italy's Strong Start at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Italy has also made a significant impact at the Paris Games, securing multiple medals on the first day of competition. The Italian team earned a bronze medal in the 4X100 freestyle relay, finishing behind the United States and Australia. Furthermore, Luigi Samele achieved a remarkable feat by winning a bronze medal in saber fencing, defeating Egypt's Ziad Elsissy in the final. Samele expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, "I won another Olympic medal, I would never have thought of it. It means that you must never stop dreaming."
Filippo Ganna, competing in road cycling, won a silver medal in the individual time trial. Although he expressed a sense of disappointment for not achieving gold, Ganna's performance was commendable, especially considering the adverse weather conditions. He remarked, "As an Italian, it's like seeing a Ferrari come second... I was beaten by a champion." Ganna remains optimistic about future events, aiming to surpass the impressive medal tally set during the Tokyo Olympics. With the Italian team motivated and focused, they are set to continue their pursuit of excellence in the ongoing Games.
