French Judokas Make History at World Championships
Margaux Pinot achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning the -70 kg final at the World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi. This victory marks her first world title, and she did it in style by defeating her compatriot Marie-Eve Gahié. It is a historic event as it is the first time that two Frenchwomen faced each other in a world final since the introduction of allowing two fighters from the same country per category in 2010.
Marie-Eve Gahié, 27, who had previously won the world title in Tokyo in 2021 and boasts a European champion title from 2020, competed fiercely. Despite Gahié's early lead due to penalties, Pinot made a stunning comeback in the golden score. A waza-ari secured her the championship, making her a world champion for the first time at the age of 30.
Marie-Eve Gahié has shown her resilience and skill throughout this competition, having already won the gold medal in the 2019 World Championships. She was also a key player in the Olympic mixed team gold victory in Tokyo in 2021. However, in this tournament, Pinot's agility and strength shone, particularly evident in her semi-final bout where she defeated Greek judokate Elisabet Teltsidou in just 19 seconds.
France's performance in the World Judo Championships has been commendable overall, securing both gold and silver medals. In addition to Pinot's gold, Clarisse Agbegnenou and Amandine Buchard added to the medal tally with their bronze medals in their respective categories. This strong showing bodes well for France as they prepare for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games where Gahié is already slated to compete.
- The World Championships in Abu Dhabi have seen an impressive level of competition, with nations from around the globe vying for titles. France's success in this instance highlights not only the individual talents of athletes like Pinot and Gahié but also the country's robust judo training programs.
- As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues, the achievements of these judokas serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication. The experience gained from such high-level competitions will undoubtedly benefit them as they aim for Olympic glory.
- The excitement generated by these matches, particularly the historic final between Pinot and Gahié, underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of judo. Fans of the sport can look forward to more exhilarating moments as the sport continues to grow in popularity.
