Hyeonji Lee’s Harai-goshi Seals +78 kg World Gold

Hyeonji Lee claimed the +78 kg senior world title in Baku, completing a remarkable progression through cadet, junior and senior world-level Judo. The 19-year-old Korean defeated France’s Romane Dicko in the final with a decisive late change in momentum.

Dicko began strongly and controlled much of the opening 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Quick to establish her preferred grip, the French judoka attacked with confidence and appeared close to finding the breakthrough against the younger opponent.

Lee, however, produced the defining action of the contest. She launched a powerful Harai-goshi for Waza-ari, then moved immediately into osaekomi. Dicko could not escape the hold, and Lee secured Ippon to take the world championship gold medal.

One explosive Harai-goshi changed the direction of the final.

Lee said she had been nervous before facing Dicko for the first time, but trusted her own style against an unfamiliar opponent. The victory adds the senior world title to her world cadet gold from 2023 and world junior title from 2024.

Dicko’s silver was a major European result in a heavyweight category packed with established champions. Behind the finalists, Mariia Ivanova of Russia and Raz Hershko of Israel earned bronze medals, while Italy’s Asya Tavano and Croatia’s Helena Vukovic finished fifth.

Ivanova overcame Tavano in their bronze medal contest after a left-sided Uchi-mata scored yuko. She followed directly into a hold and maintained control until Ippon was called. It was a determined performance from Ivanova, who had not been among the favourites at the start of the day.

The other bronze contest was tight through four minutes, with Vukovic creating several promising attacks and limiting Hershko’s preferred grips. With one Shido each on the scoreboard, the contest moved into golden score, where Hershko found a new level. Her Seoi-otoshi rolled through cleanly for Ippon and delivered her second world championship medal.

For Lee, though, the day belonged to a teenager who has continued to rise through every age category. In Baku, her attack, transition and composure under pressure brought everything together when it mattered most.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation