Already, the name Lasha BEKAURI is known for Olympic glory, claiming the -90kg category title in Tokyo in shocking fashion given an injury picked up in the World Championships a matter of weeks prior. He stunned spectators around the world, having just pipped team mate Beka GVINIASHVILI to the Olympic post after winning the European Championships, and then continued his domination during the Olympic Games in the home of judo.
Judo fans have him hailed as an icon, for his unique style and unwavering faith in his abilities, his love for the sport and his country draws you in, as it did on day five of the judo event in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Many were waiting with bated breath to see if the young legend could defend the -90kg title, or if they would see his demise. The latter would have been disappointed as the Georgian judoka, who’d celebrated his birthday just days before he competed, gave himself the ultimate gift and delivered for his nation.
President of the Georgian Judo Federation, Giorgi ATABEGASHVILI was standing behind his athlete, as he does all of his brigade, and was first-hand witness to the joys and celebration of the -90kg final.
I can say that Lasha Bekauri is a bright pearl of Georgian judo. Perhaps there were a lot of question marks before the Olympics? Would the Georgian warrior be able to repeat the success achieved at the Olympic Games for the second time? Becoming a two-time Olympic champion at the age of 24 is indeed a national and heroic task for Georgians. On the 31st of July, he once again proved that the -90kg weight category has a king and his name and surname is Lasha Bekauri.
Lasha Bekauri entered the history of Georgian sports and world judo with golden letters, at this age he was able to win Olympic gold twice in a row.
The final between Bekauri and Murao Sanshiro was certainly a dream fight that graced the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris. The Georgian magician was incredibly motivated throughout the day and no one could control him, he left the most dangerous impression and was ready to go down in history.
Bekauri’s golden era – I can safely call this stage, his stubborn character, ability to fight and fighting spirit helped him the most in this great success. The fabulous victory of Lasha Bekauri added a new golden chapter to the glorious history of Georgian judo. His joy and indelible emotions inspired many Georgians and not only Georgian children. The family of Bekauri is happy, the Georgian Judo Federation is proud, and the entire Georgian nation rejoices! We were able to do this at the cost of great work and self-sacrifice, we deserved the price of the fan’s emotion caused by this joy!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen