The golden mission of Georgian Tato Grigalashvili

Tato Grigalashvili (GEO) was undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited athlete of the category U81kg, if not of the whole competition in Zagreb at the Grand Prix. Competing alone, with no coach, the one who had so much hope associated with his name but at the same time so much pressure, entered his first match relaxed. That paid off as it took him only 11 seconds to put his opponent into orbit with an incredible ura-nage.

The following rounds were almost as easy for the Georgian, who seemed to be untouchable. In the second half of the draw, another competitor impressed with his throwing and fighting capacities. Guilherme Schimidt (BRA) showed great judo, promising an interesting final.

Tato Grigalashvili quickly took the lead with a first waza-ari score from a counterattack but for the first time all day, the Georgian judoka had to pass more than two minutes on the tatami, with Schimidt offering brave resistance. Actually the last minute and a half of the match was even difficult for Grigalashvili, who was under permanent pressure from the courageous Brazilian. The latter was not afraid at all and Grigalashvili had to stay really concentrated not to make any mistakes, a task he eventually completed, to win a deserved gold medal, that for sure will bring back some self-confidence.

For the first bronze medal match, Baptiste Pierre (FRA), a former medallist of the Paris Grand Slam and two times grand prix medallist Dorin Gotonoaga (MDA) faced each other to complete the podium. The French competitor was never in a position to take the lead. Despite his coach telling him to wake up, that never really happened, even with an effort to make a small change in the rhythm at the end of the match. Gotonoaga, who had already scored an early waza-ari, concluded with ten seconds remaining, with a second waza-ari to win the bronze medal.

The second bronze medal was disputed by Robert Rajkai (HUN), 177 on the World Ranking List and Jim Heijman (NED), 158. The bronze medal went to Hungary with the clear victory of Robert Rajkai.