Day 2 in Lima saw a powerful mix of champions and rising stars. Jessica Klimkait claimed her first Grand Prix gold at –63 kg, Daniel Cargnin triumphed dramatically, Ida Eriksson completed her medal set, and Mihajlo Simin struck gold in his debut final.
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Welcome back to Peru on the second day of Limas inaugural grand prix event, held in the Coliseo Eduardo Dibós.
Once again the crowd were here, in support of the strong Pan-American contingent.
In -63kg, former world champion Jessica KLIMKAIT showed her continued dominance in her new weight category.
Catching her opponent with a trademark drop sode-tsurikomi-goshi. Her first grand prix gold in -63kg.
IJF Referee Director Ms Tina TRSTENJAK was on hand to award the medals.
In -73kg Daniel CARGNIN of Brazil was to take on Dayyan BOULEMTAFES of France. BOULEMTAFES, having knocked out the current Olympic champion in the preliminaries, would be no walkover. But with only seconds to go, a yuko score won CARGNIN the title.
A dramatic ending, which sent the Brazilian fans wild!
He was awarded his medal by Peruvian Olympic Committee Deputy Treasurer Mr Edgar CAMARGO.
In the -70kg category, Ida Eriksson of Sweden was chasing the final piece of her Grand Prix medal set. With bronze and silver already won, she needed gold. a single yuko score was enough to claim it. Mission accomplished.
She was awarded her medal by IJF Sport Director Mr Kosei INOUE.
In -81kg Mihajlo SIMIN of Serbia met Johan SILOT of the USA in the final. In his debut grand prix final, SIMIN secured his victory on the ground, successfully holding down his opponent giving him his first-ever grand prix gold medal.
The medals were awarded by IJF Referee Director Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ.
It’s been a day of inspiring judo with some incredible techniques, and with the heavyweights up next, the throws are about to get even bigger.