French Judoka Shine In Paris

euronews (in English)

With the Olympic Games just around the corner, a host of big names battled it out at the The AccorHotels Arena on the opening day of the Paris Grand Slam

Transcript

00:00 Paris, the city of light and a source of inspiration and innovation all over the world. The Alcor

00:07 Hotel Arena is the stage for an epic showdown. With the Olympic Games just months away, the

00:12 stakes are high. On its monumental 50th edition, who will rise to the occasion at the Paris

00:18 Grand Slam?

00:20 A diverse display of kata, art and dance were on display for the fans in the arena before

00:24 the judoka came out for the finals. Taking the gold medal in the under 60 kilo class

00:30 was Mckedsey, a fantastic home win for the Frenchman. Luca Mckedsey won due to penalties.

00:36 He delighted the French crowd with his performance.

00:40 On hand to award the medals was partner of the IJF and OTP Bank President Sander Chagny.

00:47 I'm happy because I've never won the Paris tournament. This year is a big party because

00:51 it's the 50th edition of the Paris Grand Slam and I'm happy to mark the occasion.

00:56 In the under 48 kilo category, Frances Chirin-Bouckley took her first Paris Grand Slam gold medal.

01:02 She defeated Japan's Koga Wakana in the final with a hold down. A joyous win in her home

01:07 nation with her fans cheering her on.

01:10 The under 48 kilo medals were awarded by former President of Montenegro, Milo Dukanovic.

01:19 It's special because you have more energy with the public. When it's a tough fight like

01:24 that, you need a little bit more to push you and yes, it's what I need I think today to

01:31 win like that.

01:34 In the under 52 kilo class, Dystria Krasnicki, under 48 kilo Olympic champion, had a tough

01:40 fight from the Brit Chelsea Gulls. The judoka from Kosovo secured a Wazari to claim her

01:46 third Paris gold medal.

01:47 IJF Vice President, Klaas Littot, awarded the medals.

01:54 In the under 66 kilo class, newcomer Takeshi Takeoka bested veteran, Joshiro Maruyama in

02:07 golden score with a Wazari. An impressive win.

02:15 IJF General Treasurer, Nasser Al-Tamimi, awarded the medals.

02:22 In the under 57 kilo category, Faisal Mokhtar earned her first World Judo Tour gold medal

02:30 on home turf. She threw double world champion, Krista Deguchi for Ippon in the first minute

02:35 to the joy of the fans.

02:38 IJF Secretary General, Lisa Allen, awarded the medals.

02:45 Stunning Ippons were on display from local French athletes throughout the day. The Paris

02:49 Grand Slam is a tradition, a spectacle. We'll see you next time for day two.

02:54 [Music]

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