Christa Deguchi made history by winning Canada’s first-ever Olympic judo gold medal in the women’s 57kg final on Monday. The thrilling final match against South Korea’s Huh Mimi kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The intense competition saw Deguchi and Huh evenly matched during regulation time, leading to a golden score period to determine the winner. In a dramatic turn of events, Huh received her third shido, a warning for a false attack, during the extra period. With three shidos resulting in an automatic ippon, Deguchi was awarded the gold medal, leaving the Canadian athlete in a state of disbelief at the unexpected outcome.
This victory marks Canada’s first gold medal at the Paris Games, adding a significant milestone to the country’s Olympic achievements. The bronze medals in the women’s 57kg category were secured by Japan’s Funakubo Haruka and France’s Sarah Léonie Cysique, showcasing the global talent and competitive spirit present at the event.
