First, the home team; Peru deserves their spotlight in Lima. At the very beginning of the day, Franco Baltazar (PER) threw Olympic silver medallist William Lima (BRA) for ippon, a show of intention that he did not waste. He went on to defeat two more opponents to reach his semi-final, a place he has never been before on the World Judo Tour.
Baltazar was not alone! Two of his teammates, Driulys Rivas (-52) and Brillith Gamara (-52) also made it to the final block making Peru one of only four countries with 3 athletes or more in the final block, among 15 countries in total. Brazil had 6 athletes fighting for medals while the USA and Italy equalled Peru’s tally. Pan-America was already leading the way on Pan-American soil!
Alongside the excellent performances of the host’s judoka, other significant moments could be found in the arena. Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Committee President Diane Henderson arrived to watch the final block, keen to continue developing the sport at home, making important connections and increasing her familiarity with the requirements of international judo event organisation.
As the day came to a close, ten countries had hoisted flags above the podium of the Videna Sport Complex, the host nation had their first medal and officials from Peru, Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic committees could celebrate a great day of judo with the organisers.
Day two begins at 11:30am local time and can be followed on JudoTV, IJF.org, X and Telegram. Tune in; see you there!