Day one in Lima delivered five thrilling champions. Assunta Scutto, Michel Augusto, Rafaela Rodrigues, Radu Izvoreanu and Pihla Salonen claimed gold, with several celebrating their first Grand Prix titles as the new Olympic qualification cycle got underway.
Welcome to Lima for the opening day of the Judo Grand Prix!
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In -48kg, Assunta SCUTTO faced Maria Celia LABORDE. The reigning World Champion managed a clever turnover and held LABORDE down for victory, earning her very first Grand Prix gold medal.
IOC Member Dr Paula PARETO awarded the medals.
In the -60kg, Michel AUGUSTO faced Jonathan YANG. AUGUSTO took the lead with an ashi-waza for yuko and managed to defend the score to take home his first Grand Prix gold medal.
International Judo Federation Education & Coaching Director Mr Mohammed MERIDJA awarded the medals.
At -52kg, Rafaela RODRIGUES faced Francine ECHEVARRIA. RODRIGUES came back from a yuko down and held ECHEVARRIA for victory. A debut Grand Prix gold for the Brazilian.
Peruvian Judo Federation President Mrs Maria MARTINEZ MURCIEGO awarded the medals.
At -66kg, Radu IZVOREANU faced teammate Denis VIERU. An absolutely huge ippon from IZVOREANU left no doubt that he would stand on the top spot of the podium. A spectacular finish. Gold and silver for Moldova.
Peruvian Olympic Committee President Mr Renzo MANYARI awarded the medals.
At -57kg, Pihla SALONEN faced Adriana RODRIGUEZ SALVADOR. SALONEN took the gold medal with a brilliant ippon, finishing the contest in style after an impressive performance all day to secure Grand Prix glory in Lima.
International Judo Federation Referee Director Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ awarded the medals.
Thank you for joining us here in beautiful Lima! We’ll see you tomorrow.