Day 2 Sunday, the day of the Abes

The second judo day at the Olympic Games in Paris will be on Sunday, July 28th. The categories U52kg and U66kg will be featured, and this may be the day where the gold medalists are the easiest to predict. However, these are the Olympic Games, where not just pure judo skills but also the mindset on the day plays a crucial role. The siblings Uta and Hifumi Abe are strong contenders for gold, but the world champion in the U52kg category has different plans.

Ranked #3, the current World Champion Odette Giuffrida (ITA) aims to complete her Olympic collection with a gold medal in Paris, adding to her silver from Rio de Janeiro and bronze from Tokyo. At #4, Amandine Buchard (FRA) is a beloved national figure, an emotion-driven competitor who leaves her heart on the tatami every time. As the Tokyo silver medalist, she has the caliber to deliver again, this time with a plan for gold. Chelsie Giles (GBR), ranked #5 and a bronze medalist from Tokyo, is rarely seen leaving a tournament without a medal, having finished without a podium spot only twice since 2022, and even then, securing fifth place.

The day of the Abes promises to be significant, with the siblings from Japan having made a historic impact in Tokyo by winning their Olympic titles on the same day. They are now planning to recreate their magic moment in Paris. Nevertheless, there are numerous athletes ready to disrupt their fairytale.

Although not a surprise contender, Abe Uta could be an early-round challenge for one of the top eight seeds in the -52kg category, potentially causing major upsets. It is notable that almost all the top seeds in this category are European athletes. Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB) narrowly surpassed Distria Krasniqi (KOS), the current Olympic Champion in the -48kg category, who aims to double her Olympic glory in a new weight class, following in the footsteps of Kosovo's trailblazer, Majlinda Kelmendi.

There are many top contenders in this category, namely Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB), Distria Krasniqi (KOS), Odette Giuffrida (ITA) and Amandine Buchard (FRA). But one stands high above the rest: Uta Abe (JPN), who hasn't been beaten in five years. Abe lost to Amandine Buchard in the final of the Osaka Grand Slam but that was the one and only time the French player triumphed in the nine times they have fought. Abe has defeated Giuffrida twice and Krasniqi three times. She has defeated Keldiyorova twice but this Uzbek player is the one most likely to give her some difficulties. Keldiyorova is a judoka on the rise, still peaking and hungry for gold. The last time they fought, Abe caught her on the ground for ippon. But Keldiyorova, who is no slouch on the ground, has surely studied Abe's newaza inside out and will not get caught on the ground a second time. Chelsie Giles (GBR) could be a dark horse. She is tall and awkward for someone like Abe to deal with in tachi-waza. And, she's very capable on the ground too. She's lost four times to Abe but like Keldiyorova, she is a judoka on the rise can could prove dangerous to Abe in Paris. Still, the overwhelming favorite is Abe.

The lineup is tough, with predictions hard to make. The #3, #4, and #5 seeds all stood on the Olympic podium in Tokyo and are fully capable of succeeding again. Other seeded athletes aiming for Olympic medals include Pupp Reka (HUN), Gefen Primo (ISR), and Mascha Ballhaus (GER). Younger entrants like Ariane Toro Soler (ESP) and Binta Ndiaye (SUI) might also surprise, having narrowly qualified for Paris.

In Pool A, there's Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB) and Uta Abe (JPN)

In Pool B, there's Amandine Buchard (FRA) and Chelsie Giles (GBR) who may battle with Pimenta (BRA)

In Pool C, Distria Krasniqi (KOS) has quite a clear path.

In Pool D, Odette Giuffrida (ITA) has quite a clear path, but Pupp (HUN) can be tricky

In the U66kg category, Abe Hifumi is once again positioned on the opposite side of the draw and could potentially face top seed Denis Vieru (MDA). Vieru had a standout year in 2023, winning the European Championship and numerous Grand Slam medals, but 2024 has been less kind, with unexpected withdrawals and early exits. This might lead rivals to underestimate his Olympic performance.

The entire U66kg podium from Tokyo, aside from Daniel Cargnin (BRA) who has since moved to the U73kg category, will be competing again. Vazha Margvelashvili (GEO) will be aiming to represent his ranking through the preliminaries and semi-finals for another shot at Olympic gold.

Expect stunning performances from athletes like David Garcia Torne (ESP), with his dynamic style, and Matteo Piras (ITA), who fought hard to secure his place in the Olympic lineup. Further down the rankings, hopes are high for former European Champion and 2023 World bronze medalist Walide Khyar (FRA).

In Pool A, Denis Vieru (MDA) has a pretty clear path but Piras and Saha are on form.

In Pool B, Hifumi Abe (JPN) has a pretty clear path too. Emomali vs Baruch is interesting.

In Pool C, there are three very interesting players: Vazha Margvelashvili (GEO), Walide Khyar (FRA) and An Baul (KOR).

In Pool D, Baskhuu Yondonperenlei (MGL) has a pretty clear path on paper, Lima can be an outsider.