Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko Brings UAE Its First World Gold

Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko made Judo history for the United Arab Emirates in the -78 kg category in Baku, claiming the country’s first-ever world championship gold medal. The UAE athlete defeated France’s Kaila Issoufi in a final decided by two sharp scoring moments.

The contest began with Issoufi coping well with Lytvynenko’s long reach and physical presence. For the opening two minutes, the French judoka stayed composed and prevented her opponent from finding a clear opening.

That changed after an attack from Issoufi lacked preparation. Lytvynenko reacted at full speed, countering with a combination that finished with Ko-uchi-gari for Waza-ari. It was the breakthrough she needed in a closely contested final.

Issoufi then faced an even tougher task as Lytvynenko continued to pressure her. In another demanding exchange, a moment of hesitation from the French athlete gave Lytvynenko the position she wanted. She followed with Uchi-mata for a second Waza-ari, securing the gold medal.

Lytvynenko’s two Waza-ari scores delivered a landmark result for the UAE.

Lytvynenko’s reaction after the final showed the scale of the moment. She said she needed time to take in the achievement after a demanding day of contests, while also highlighting the support of her team and family in Baku.

Issoufi took silver, becoming France’s first finalist of the championship. Her route to the final ensured a major result for the French team, even though Lytvynenko’s decisive attacks ultimately settled the title match.

The bronze medal contests also produced notable performances. Japan’s Kurena Ikeda defeated Portugal’s Patricia Sampaio after scoring with Tomoe-nage for Yuko. Sampaio was forced to chase the contest, but Ikeda’s active defence made it difficult for the Portuguese judoka to create effective attacks. Sampaio finished fifth.

Germany’s Anna Monta Olek claimed the other bronze medal against the Netherlands’ Yael Van Heemst. Olek, described as the world number one and one of the favourites, waited patiently before taking control at the halfway stage. She threw Van Heemst with Tsuri-goshi for Waza-ari and then completed the win with Kesa-gatame for another.

Olek secured Germany’s podium place with a throw-and-hold sequence.

The -78 kg podium in Baku therefore featured Lytvynenko on top for the UAE, Issoufi with silver for France, and bronze medals for Ikeda and Olek. For Lytvynenko, though, the result carried a special weight: a first world championship gold medal for UAE Judo.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation