Montréal, February 2, 2025 – François Gauthier-Drapeau has been hoping for a Grand Slam gold medal for a while now. He lastly attained his objective on Sunday in Paris, with a spectacular efficiency within the under-81 kg weight class.
Photograph Emanuele di Feliciantonio
Earlier than at the moment, the 27-year-old judoka held seven bronze and one silver Grand Slam medals, however he had but to style full victory. At each the 2023 and 2024 Paris tournaments, he received bronze within the under-81 kg weight class.
“This was an enormous win! I’m actually glad! At the start of the day, after I noticed the names of everybody who was competing within the match, I believed it might be extraordinarily tough. It nearly appeared unattainable, however at the moment, I did it!” stated the victor.
After receiving a first-round bye at this weekend’s occasion, Gauthier-Drapeau defeated Mongolia’s Shinebayar Oyunchimeg in his first bout of the day. He then ousted Alpha Oumar Djalo and Arnaud Aregba, each of France.
When he reached the large last, the Canadian was decided to not squander the chance to climb to the highest of the rostrum, and he by no means doubted he may make it occur. He had full confidence in his capability to defeat Nugzari Tatalashvili of the United Arab Emirates.
“I had 100% confidence in myself! I used to be feeling so nice at the moment, and I’ve improved a lot because the final time I fought him, that I knew I may beat him.”
Nevertheless, Tatalashvili additionally had his sights set on a primary gold Grand Slam medal, and he put up a robust struggle throughout the hotly contested match. Earlier than lengthy, he had compelled Gauthier-Drapeau to take two penalties. Gauthier-Drapeau due to this fact discovered himself in a good spot, however he held his floor, scoring a waza-ari with lower than 20 seconds of regulation time left.
“After I scored, I didn’t know the way a lot time was left. I regarded on the scoreboard and noticed that I needed to survive one other 20 seconds. Antoine [Valois-Fortier] instructed me to play it sensible and preserve my cool. The very last thing I wished was a 3rd penalty! My opponent got here at me like a bulldozer, however I held on!”
The Canadian then rushed off the mat to rejoice together with his coach, Antoine Valois-Fortier.
“What a day for François! From begin to end, he was excellent, each technically and tactically. He was a pleasure to look at,” stated the nationwide workforce coach. “The Olympics lit a hearth beneath him. And his seventh-place end added gasoline to that fireplace, which is sweet to see.”
The 2 under-81 kg bronze medals had been awarded to Matthias Casse of Belgium and Omar Rajabli of Azerbaijan.
Gauthier-Drapeau will again in motion in two weeks, on the Baku Grand Slam.
Additionally within the under-81 kg weight class, Ontario’s Keagan Younger received his first match of the day in opposition to Matteo Giordano of France, earlier than bowing out to Zaur Dvalashvili of Georgia within the subsequent spherical.
Within the under-78 kg bracket, Coralie Godbout misplaced her first and solely bout of the day to Zanet Michaelidou of Cyprus.
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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
For extra info:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Working Officer
Judo Canada
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org
