The final day in Guadalajara delivered fireworks as judo heavyweights battled for glory. Christian Parlati, Kurena Ikeda, Zelym Kotsoiev, Raz Hershko and Ushangi Kokauri all struck gold, closing the Pan-American tour with style and power.
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It’s Day 3 in Gudalajara, and it’s time for the heavyweights..
Fans packed the stands once again, and the stage was set for a spectacular finale to the Pan-American tour.
The -90kg final featured Marcelo FRONCKOWIAK of Brazil against Christian PARLATI of Italy. It was a late yuko by PARLATI, that would put him on top spot. With the two athletes showing the ultimate respect.
His medal was awarded by IJF Media & Judo for Peace Director, Mr Nicolas MESSNER.
In the -78kg category, Kurena IKEDA of Japan looked strong throughout the day. Creating herself a great opening in the final, she sealed the victory with a clinical arm lock.
A first Grand Prix title and a moment to remember.
IJF Sport Commission Member & 3 time World Champion, Ms Yuri ALVEAR awarded the medal.
In the -100kg category, Olympic Champion Zelym KOTSOIEV of Azerbaijan - after finishing 5th place in Peru - showed his determination for gold. A dynamic throw, and a Yuko score, put him back on top of the podium.
The medals were awarded by PJC Director General, Mr Jose Humberto RODRIGUEZ.
In the +78kg final, Raz HERSHKO demonstrated her incredible judo talent scoring ippon just 35 seconds into the fight. A second gold medal in just 6 days.
Mexico Judo Federation President Dr Lilian ESTRADA awarded the medal.
At +100kg, Lukas KRPALEK of Czechia met Ushangi KOKAURI of Azerbaijan. KOKAURI was looking unstoppable, scoring the Ippon of the tournament earlier in the preliminaries. In the final KOKAURI managed to catch his opponent, scoring a waza-ri and continuing into a hold down. A great victory, and Azerbijan’s sixth gold medal of the tournament.
He received his medal from IJF EC Member, Mrs Louisa AGIUS GALEA.
Day 3 delivered the drama and marked a powerful end to the Pan-American tour. Huge ippons and a crowd that raised the roof.
It's been an incredible 3 days of Judo.
Thank you Mexico.