Kim Hayun shows the power of Korean judo

The final of the women’s +78kg division was between Hayun Kim (KOR) on the one hand and Rochele Nunes on the other, for a new chance of a guaranteed medal for the host country in Almada. It was announced as an easy match for Nunes, who felt immediately under the pressure of Kim, who had been impressive the whole day. Against all odds, the Portuguese competitor was the first to score with a counterattack.

Unfortunately for her and for the public, Kim kept the arm and rolled Nunes over to pin her down for ippon. She tried, she tried hard, but today Kim was the stronger judoka.

Karen Stevenson (NED) and Kamila Berlikash (KAZ) qualified for the first match for a bronze medal. Nothing was scored during normal time but two shido apiece were given to the athletes. It was clear that Stevenson was attacking more and logically Berlikash received a third penalty; a bronze for Karen Stevenson in this surprising weight category as she comes from U78kg.

Erica Simonetti (ITA) and Milica Zabic (SRB) battled for the second bronze medal. The match was one of the shortest of the competition, though, since it took only 14 seconds for Zabic to roll to the floor and execute a perfect shoulder movement for ippon.

Anne Fatoumata M Bairo started with a victory in the first round but was stopped in the next. Her teammate, Valentine Marchand, had a good start before losing to future finalist Rochele Nunes (POR) and then again in repechage. It was the end of the French chances. It is nonetheless true that the number of French athletes capable of performing at the highest level is impressive.