-63 kg: Klimkait Dominates to Take Gold in Lima / IJF.org

The final block in the -63 kg category offered a series of high-level contests featuring some of the biggest names of the day. After intense preliminary rounds earlier in Lima, Olympic and world medallists returned to the tatami alongside new challengers who had impressed throughout the morning. The atmosphere in the arena reflected the anticipation surrounding these decisive bouts, each one carrying the potential to reshape the podium.

Final, Nauana Silva (BRA) vs Jessica Klimkait (CAN)

Final

Nauana Silva (BRA) vs Jessica Klimkait (CAN)

Unfortunately for Silva, the contest quickly turned in Klimkait’s favour. The Canadian executed one of her trademark drop shoulder techniques, the same that earned her both a world title and an Olympic medal. It was clean and sharp; ippon and gold for Jessica Klimkait.

Gold medallist, Jessica Klimkait (CAN)

Bronze Medal Contests

Friederike Stolze (GER) vs Rania Drid (FRA)

Stolze took an early and comfortable lead, scoring waza-ari and yuko while Rania Drid struggled to close the distance or launch effective attacks. The score held until the final gong, giving Friederike Stolze her first grand prix medal.

Bronze medal contest, Friederike Stolze (GER) vs Rania Drid (FRA)

Rafaela Silva (BRA) vs Kaja Kajzer (SLO)

Two generations of judoka met on the tatami, Rafaela Silva, the Olympic and world champion still fighting to remain among the elite, and Kaja Kajzer, eager to follow in her footsteps. Kajzer looked faster and stronger and when Silva closed the distance, the Slovenian turned and threw her for waza-ari. Despite Silva’s late surge, Kajzer secured victory with an armlock for ippon just seconds before the end, earning a well-deserved bronze medal.

Bronze medal contest, Rafaela Silva (BRA) vs Kaja Kajzer (SLO)

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Ms Tina Trstenjak, world and Olympic champion and IJF Referee Director, and Mr Vladimir ArmenterosTechnical Director of the Peruvian Olympic Commitee

Final (-63 kg)

SILVA Nauana (BRA) vs KLIMKAIT Jessica (CAN)

Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)

STOLZE Friederike (GER) vs DRID Rania (FRA)

SILVA Rafaela (BRA) vs KAJZER Kaja (SLO)

Final Results (-63 kg)

1. KLIMKAIT Jessica (CAN)

2. SILVA Nauana (BRA)

3. STOLZE Friederike (GER)

3. KAJZER Kaja (SLO)

5. DRID Rania (FRA)

5. SILVA Rafaela (BRA)

7. RUSSO Savita (ITA)

7. FAVORINI Flavia (ITA)