- Christa Deguchi wins gold in the women’s 57kg judo event at Paris 2024.
- Deguchi becomes the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
- The victory was secured in golden score time against Huh Mimi of South Korea.
Christa Deguchi has made history by winning Canada‘s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 57kg judo event. In a nail-biting final against South Korea’s Huh Mimi, Deguchi emerged victorious in golden score time, becoming the first Canadian to achieve an Olympic gold in judo.
Deguchi’s path to the gold was marked by a semifinal victory over France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique, a match that also went into golden score time.
Christa Deguchi Captures Canada’s Historic First Judo Gold at Paris Olympics
In a historic achievement, Christa Deguchi won Canada’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing in the women’s 57kg category, Deguchi faced world number three Huh Mimi of South Korea in the final. The match remained scoreless through regulation time and was decided in golden score overtime, where Deguchi capitalized on Huh’s penalties to clinch the gold.
Deguchi’s journey to the final was equally challenging. She faced France’s Sarah Leonie Cysique in the semifinals, a match that extended into golden score time. After more than four minutes of extra time, Cysique incurred her third shido (penalty), handing Deguchi the win.
Before her Olympic triumph, Deguchi had already established herself as a top competitor in judo. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first Canadian to win a world title in judo. She continued her success with another world championship win in 2023. Her consistent performance at the highest levels of the sport set the stage for her Olympic success.
Deguchi’s victory in Paris is a testament to her dedication and skill. She has now added the coveted Olympic gold to her extensive list of accolades, which also includes a silver medal from the 2023 IJF World Championships. Her win not only marks a personal milestone but also a significant moment in Canadian sports history.
Christa Deguchi’s historic victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a monumental achievement for Canadian judo. Her perseverance, skill, and dedication have culminated in an Olympic gold, inspiring future generations of judokas in Canada.
“With almost two minutes gone in the extra period, Deguchi took a second shido (penalty), which matched the two that Huh had accumulated,
