The dream continues for double Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri

Dare to dream, an incredible story has been added to the rich Georgian judo history with Lasha Bekauri, who managed to extend his 2021 title. It was a spectacular achievement, and the gods of judo seemed to favor him as he ascended to the highest step of the podium once again. Bekauri, known for his infectious fighter’s spirit, could only laugh and relish the moment. Tbilisi was turned upside down for the man who had once stirred the city with his remarkable feats.

The final between Bekauri and Sanshiro Murao (JPN) was the dream match many anticipated in Paris this year. Murao, spectacular throughout the morning session, was first to act, scoring an early waza-ari and giving the impression of control. However, no one can truly control the Georgian magician. Bekauri, with his signature style, pulled off two waza-ari moves, each time using an arm, leg, or foot to hook his opponent, and ultimately knelt down in triumph. He had done it again, in a style that was simply impressive.

This final marked the third encounter between Bekauri and Murao, with each match following a similar pattern: one waza-ari for Murao, but in the end, two waza-ari for Bekauri. It’s no wonder he is called a magician. "I believed, I really had faith that this could happen. It was my big dream, and I did everything for this one, really everything," said Bekauri, now a double Olympic champion.

In the first bronze medal contest, Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (FRA) faced Rafael Macedo (BRA). Both judokas received shidos quickly for not attacking and avoiding grips. The decisive moment came when Macedo, trying to pin his opponent, applied a shime-waza incorrectly and caught Ngayap Hambou’s head. This third penalty cost Macedo the match, giving the bronze medal to Ngayap Hambou, his first Olympic medal and France’s seventh at these Games.

The second bronze medal contest featured Theodoros Tselidis (GRE) against Tristani Mosakhlishvili (ESP). Tselidis, inspired by Sagi Muki, used his special seoi-otoshi technique to score an early waza-ari. The rest of the match was a tactical battle controlled perfectly by Tselidis, earning him his first Olympic medal.

In the semifinals, the tension was high between Ngayap Hambou and Murao. Despite Ngayap Hambou’s efforts and strategy, Murao's strength prevailed, earning him a spot in the final. The second semifinal saw Bekauri's unorthodox judo style against Mosakhlishvili. Both received two shidos early, making room for acrobatic attacks primarily from Bekauri. In golden score, Bekauri's relentless attacking led to Mosakhlishvili’s third shido for passivity, securing Bekauri’s place in his second consecutive Olympic final.

In the repechage, Rafael Macedo (BRA) demonstrated his determination, scoring twice against Juyeop Han (KOR) to reach the bronze medal match. The second repechage contest saw Theodoros Tselidis (GRE) defeat Aram Grigorian (UAE), who was penalized three times.

Lasha Bekauri’s journey to his second Olympic gold was nothing short of extraordinary, adding a new chapter to Georgia’s illustrious judo history. His infectious joy and determination have inspired many, turning him into a beloved figure in Tbilisi and beyond.