Day 3: with Deguchi and Heydarov as frontrunners

The third day of the Olympic Games on Monday, July 29th, promises another round of thrilling judo action with world champions and experienced athletes taking to the tatami. Among the favourites is Canada's Christa Deguchi, making her Olympic debut in the highly competitive -57kg category. The intense rivalry between Deguchi and fellow Canadian Jessica Klimkait has captivated fans, but only Deguchi will represent Canada after a rigorous selection process.

In the -57kg category, the top seed is Christa Deguchi, followed closely by current World Champion Huh Mimi (KOR). The 2016 Olympic Champion, Rafaela Silva (BRA), is also a major contender. France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique, the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist and a key player in France's historic Mixed Team event victory, holds Europe's top seeding position. Other notable European athletes in the top seeds include Eteri Liparteliani (GEO), Tokyo Olympic Champion Nora Gjakova (KOS), and Marica Perisic (SRB). Daria Bilodid (UKR), who won bronze in Tokyo in the -48kg category, has successfully transitioned to this new weight class, evidenced by her recent European Championship gold.

In Pool A, Christa Deguchi has a pretty clear path.

In Pool B, there are three top prospects: Sarah Leonie Cysique (FRA), Haruka Funakubo (JPN) and Daria Bilodid (UKR) in a pool of death

In Pool C, there's Huh Mimi (KOR) and Nora Gjakova (KOS), in fact also very competitive in the detail.

In Pool D, there's Rafaela Silva (BRA) and Eteri Liparteliani (GEO).

In the men's -73kg category, Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) is a significant figure, aiming for a fourth Olympic medal. Leading the category is Hidayat Heydarov (AZE), currently in excellent form and guided by Azerbaijan's 2008 -73kg Olympic Champion, Elnur Mammadli. Japan’s Hashimoto Soichi, ranked #2, has taken the spotlight since Ono Shohei's retirement. Nils Stump (SUI), who made history by winning the World title for Switzerland in 2023, is seeded third after recovering from injury and winning a Grand Slam and placing third at the World Championships. Manuel Lombardo (ITA) and Brazil’s Daniel Cargnin, both in their first Olympic cycle in this category, are also strong contenders.

In Pool A, Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) has a pretty clear path.

In Pool B, Manuel Lombardo (ITA) is likely to top the pool.

In Pool C, Soichi Hashimoto (JPN) and Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) will probably fight it out to top the pool.

In Pool D, it's probably Nils Stump (SUI) who will top the pool.