The women’s 52 kg category was completely dominated by Brazil
Brazilian judo got off to a spectacular start at the Lima Grand Prix in , achieving a double on the podium and adding two bronze medals on the first day of competitions. The women’s up to 52 kg category was completely dominated by Brazil. Jessica Pereira, 20th in the world rankings, became champion by winning the final against her compatriot Gabriela Conceição, 72nd in the world. In the decision, Jessica Pereira applied a yuko right at the beginning and maintained the advantage until the end to guarantee the gold. “This final just shows the power of Brazilian judo”, declared the champion to Cazé TV, adding: “I was prepared for anyone that passed in front of me.”
In the up to 57 kg category, Brazil was also present on the podium with two bronze medals, won by Shirlen Nascimento and Jessica Lima. Both won their respective disputes for third place, with Shirlen overcoming Israeli Timna Nelson Levy and Jessica getting the better of British Acelya Toprak. In addition to the four medals, Brazil came close to more podiums in three other categories. Michel Augusto (up to 60 kg), Ronald Lima (up to 66 kg) and Alexia Nascimento (up to 48 kg) reached the disputes for bronze, but ended up defeated, finishing in fifth place.
The competitions continue this Sunday with competitions in the categories up to 63 kg and 70 kg for women, and up to 73 kg and 81 kg for men. The Peruvian tournament marks a special moment with the return to the mats of Olympic runner-up Willian Lima, who was sidelined for more than a year due to injury. He will make his debut in the 73 kg category against Czech Chusniddin Karimov.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
