Arguably one of the hardest weight categories to place bets on is the -100kg men. The talent runs deep throughout the ranking and any one of them is capable on their day of reaching the dizzying heights of an Olympic gold triumph, but the question is, who will it be?
Following incredible success in the 2024 World Championships, Zelim KOTSOIEV (AZE) soared to the top of the world ranking list and leads the charge and has proven his champion status over and over again. With a similar relaxed style, Ilia SULAMANIDZE (GEO) was missed in the World event, however he is one of the most entertaining to watch, his fluid technique is a spectacle in this heavyweight division. Canada’s Shady ELNAHAS and former World Champion, Muzzarffarbek TUROBOYEV (UZB) fill in seeding positions #3 and #4, and then we roll back around to Europe’s strength. Michael KORREL (NED) is a strong contender but he is being chased down by double World Champion in the -90kg category, Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI (ESP). It has been a tough cycle for the Spanish athlete, a weight change, surgery and trying to best these new opponents, and he finally managed to top the podium in Tbilisi.
Right behind is the double World Champion of this category and powerhouse, Jorge FONSECA (POR). Fonseca’s ballistic style is a wonder and makes him one of the top athletes to tune in for, with a go big or go home attitude, but of course in Paris, there is only one goal. Outside of the seeding however is the defending Olympic Champion, WOLF Aaron (JPN), and it’ll be an uncomfortable early round for one of our seeds.
In the women’s -78kg category, Anna-Maria WAGNER (GER) will be looking to best her previous Olympic result and stand victorious. Recent performances would suggest she is in the best shape, physically and mentally to do so, however her rivals are ready. As the #2 seed Wagner is trailing Alice BELLANDI (ITA). In the last World Championships, the pair faced off in the final, with Wagner coming out on top, so this would be the opportunity for revenge for the Italian athlete who shifted weight categories since Tokyo.
Inbar LANIR (ISR) secured the #3 seeding position, 2023 was a hugely successful year but she is yet to find the gold medal in 2024, this is the prime time to earn it. That being said, she will be battling France’s Madeleine MALONGA, who is more than able to stand on the podium in Paris and will certainly be a favourite on home soil. Also within the top eight are the experienced Guusje STEENHUIS (NED) and the younger entry, Yelyzaveta LYTVYNENKO (UKR).
Thursday 1st August -100kg/-78kg
- Preliminaries
- Start: 10:00 End: 14:00
- Final block (repechage, semi-finals, bronze medal contests and final)
- Start: 16:00 End: 19:00
Author: Thea Cowen