Hidayat HEYDAROV is a name that will now go down in Azerbaijan Olympic history. It has been 16 years since Azerbaijan claimed an Olympic title in judo, and it came from the same -73kg category. In fact, the title winner, Elnur MAMMADLI was front and centre in the stands during each of Heydarov’s contests today as he has been a personal coach to the superstar in this past cycle. The work executed by the pair has paid off in ways they may never have thought imaginable.
Heydarov can boast three major wins this year, something no one else can do; a European, World and Olympic title. The world number one was of course a favourite for Olympic glory on day of the judo event in Paris, but as we have seen time and time again, anything can happen on the day. Meeting Heydarov in the final was the underdog of the category, ranked #35 in the world, and only in the Olympic lineup due the French representation, was Joan-Benjamin GABA.
First defeating the 2012 Olympic Champion and three-time Olympic medallist, Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI (GEO) in opening contest, and HASHIMOTO Soichi (JPN) in the quarter final, he simply looked unstoppable and he was hungry for this opportunity. Another win in the semi final against Adil OSMANOV (MDA) placed him in a guaranteed medal spot and the French team were ecstatic!
Heydarov has his work cut out for him, fighting a man who had nothing to lose, when it was all ready to come crumbling down for the Azerbaijan athlete, the pressure was incredible. Nevertheless, the pair went toe to toe well in to golden score, accumulating two shidos each, Gaba giving the crowd the belief that the gold was going to be celebrated in the Champ de Mars Arena. Then after 5:25 of extra time, a familiar clinch for Heydarov opened up the contest, a ko soto from the World Champion was the driving force that brought home the gold medal.
As soon as Heydarov left the tatami, he headed straight for Mammadli and his team to celebrate, in a beautiful and historic moment.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen