What a sensational day for Patricia SAMPAIO who put the Portuguese flag on the medal table today after winning the bronze medal in the -78kg category of the Paris Olympic Games 2024. This is Portugal’s fourth Olympic medal in judo.
Sampaio devastated the home crowd when she defeated their medal hope, Madeleine MALONGA in the second round, then defeated MA Zhenzhao (CHN) in the quarter final. Though she was unable to get past eventual Olympic Champion, Alice BELLANDI (ITA), she was mentally prepared for her bronze medal contest against TAKAYAMA Rika (JPN).
Coming out strong, she first countered an ashi guruma attack from Takayama with a huge o soto gari, putting the first waza ari on the board. It didn’t stop after this either, after this score she had a second wind and was determined to leave with the medal, securing her Olympic bronze.
It’s the happiest day of my life. I prepared really well and I was determined to face this moment and make a dream come true. I want tot hank not only the pro fans and people, the people I have in any corner from other countries. Thank you most of all to my family.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen