Montréal, February 2, 2024 – With the Olympic Games less than six months away, the world’s top judokas are competing in the Paris Grand Slam this weekend. Christa Deguchi and Jessica Klimkait provided a lively spectacle on Friday, winning silver and bronze medals respectively in the under-57 kg weight category.

Both Canadians were perfect in their first three bouts and advanced to the semi-finals.

In her first three fights of the day, Deguchi ousted Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo of Mongolia, Momo Tamaoki of Japan, and Veronica Toniolo of Italy.

As for Klimkait, she bested Nok Lam Yeung of Hong Kong, Priscilla Gneto of France, and Marica Perisic of Serbia in early back-to-back battles.

Deguchi then defeated Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Sarah-Léonie Cysique of France to advance to the big final, while Klimkait lost to Faiza Mokdar of France in overtime in her semi-final match.

Mokdar and Deguchi then faced off for gold. Twenty-two-year-old Mokdar quickly knocked the Canadian to the ground to secure the first Grand Slam victory of her career. Deguchi therefore finished her day on the second step of the podium.

Klimkait, who appeared unaffected by her semi-final loss, defeated Nora Gjakova of Kosovo to clinch the bronze medal. The Ontarian scored a point partway through regulation time and held on to her lead until the clock ran out.

“Both women had tough draws. For most of the day, it looked like we’d have an all-Canadian final. We finished with silver and bronze, which is great, but I think both Christa and Jessica were a bit disappointed not to have gone all the way,” said Canadian coach Antoine Valois-Fortier. “Faiza Mokdar had a great day. Hats off to her. I don’t think there are very many athletes who have beaten both Christa and Jessica in the same day! She had a great attitude, and she gave 100% all day.”

Also in action on Friday, Kelly Deguchi (-52 kg) lost her first bout of the day to Hibiki Shiraishi of Japan.

On the men’s side, Julien Frascadore (-66 kg) was defeated by Abderrahmane Boushita of Morocco in the first round.

“Kelly and Julien didn’t perform badly, so it’s too bad they didn’t make it past the first round. But every judo season has its highs and lows, and I hope they’ll get back on track quickly,” concluded Valois-Fortier.

The action will continue on Saturday in Paris, where Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (-63 kg), Arthur Margelidon (-73 kg), Justin Lemire (-73 kg), and François Gauthier-Drapeau (-81 kg) will hit the tatamis.

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada

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Patrick Esparbès
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