Image
JUDO: FIRST MEDALISTS IN OPENING SESSION
The Argentinian, Uruguayan and Cuban delegations earned their first medals in this tough discipline after their athletes pulled off amazing martial performances.
The Sports Center 2 of the National Sports Village vibrated with excitement in the opening of the judo competitions for people with a visual impairment.
The sport venue was packed with fans that from rooted for their favorite teams from start to finish in this intense combat. This Para sport started at 09:00 and carried on until 14:00.
The cheers of the spectators of Lima on the foreign judokas were loud at all times. The effervescence, which would erupt from the stands, was at a par with the strength all Para athletes showed on the tatami, while putting on brave martial movements.
Some of the most exciting moments of the day took place during the semifinals by noon. In this context, Henry Borges gave a great performance. He defeated the Venezuelan Marco Blanco, by accumulated penalties, after immobilizing his opponents in the elimination rounds.
Therefore, the Uruguayan claimed the gold medal in the men’s 60 kg category, taking the first medal for Uruguay.
With that same courage, the Cuban Yordani Fernández fought against the Brazilian Antonio Tenorio and moved to the finals. Then, he took the gold home in a titanic final against the American Benjamin Goodrich, claiming the crown in the B3 category.
The last award of the day in this tough discipline was disputed by the Puerto Rican Luis Pérez and the Argentine Eduardo Gauto in the 66 kg B1 category. The Argentine was the absolute winner of the combat as he scored an ippon that finished off his opponent.
This way, the first session of judo for people with a visual impairment ended on a high note, filled with splendid martial performances. All participating Para athletes are giving it their all hoping to reach a spot on the Parapan American Games podium.