It was not the day that Romane DICKO of France was hoping for, but the +78kg judoka was not about to the leave the Paris 2024 Olympic Games without a medal.
After losing out in the semi final to eventual Olympic Champion, Beatriz SOUZA (BRA), Dicko needed to shake herself down and find the positive mindset, despite the disappointment that was already setting in.
In her bronze medal match, she faced Milica ZABIC (SRB). As she walked back through the Olympic tunnel and back to the central tatami for her head to head, Dicko caught sight of the giant French flag that had covered a section of the spectators. Knowing her country people were behind her, she was fuelled for a win.
With a cross grip down the back, she hooked in for o uchi gari, scoring waza ari, and transitioned immediately in to the osae komi. Dicko was scored ippon, but as we have seen, scores can be reviewed by the commission and changed to a lesser point. It was the smart thing to do but nevertheless the earned France’s X medal in the judo event of the Olympic Games. Tomorrow on the eighth day of the event, Dicko will be reappearing for the Mixed Team tournament as France hope to defend their historic gold medal from Tokyo.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen