In the Tokyo Olympic Games, Michaela POLLERES became a hero by claiming the -70kg silver medal. It has been a tough cycle, especially in this category for the European athletes, who took up all the medal contest positions in this category in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, however, it all came down to this event and who could perform on the day.
The only defeat Polleres dealt with today, was the semi final against Miriam BUTKEREIT (GER), which sent her in to the bronze medal contest with AI TSUNODA ROUSTANT (ESP).
Though Tsunoda had the edge on the record of wins, it mattered little to Polleres as she stepped on the tatami. Finding her footing, she eventually threw with sumi gaeshi, which would have scored regardless however Tsunoda also bridged, an ippon score and Austria’s first medal in the judo event, and in the Olympic Games!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen