Italian judoka Alice Bellandi, 25, has clinched the gold medal in the -78kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking Italy’s first Olympic judo gold since Giulia Quintavalle’s victory in 2008. Bellandi, the world’s top-ranked judoka in her weight class, defeated Israeli opponent Inbar Lanir in the final.’It’s a dream come true, I’ve worked hard every day and now I can’t believe it,’ Bellandi said, dedicating her victory to her team and girlfriend. The win adds to Italy’s impressive medal tally at these Games, bringing their total to 15 medals, including 5 golds.In the same category, Portuguese judoka Patrícia Sampaio, 25, secured a bronze medal by defeating Japanese judoka Rika Takayama with a double waza-ari. This marks Portugal’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the country’s 29th Olympic medal overall.However, the day brought disappointment for German judoka Anna-Maria Wagner, who missed out on a bronze medal, losing to Chinese judoka Ma Zhenzhao in the Golden Score. Wagner, who had carried the German flag at the opening ceremony, expressed her frustration: ‘My goal was gold, and in the end, I just wanted to go home with a medal. The fifth place is just the worst place you can get’.The judo competition continues, with the mixed team event scheduled for Saturday, offering another chance for medals.
Key points
- Alice Bellandi wins Italy’s first Olympic judo gold since 2008 in the -78kg category.
- Patrícia Sampaio secures Portugal’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a bronze in judo.
- German judoka Anna-Maria Wagner misses out on a medal, finishing fifth.
- The judo competition continues with the mixed team event on Saturday.
