The legendary Cuban judoka Idalys Ortiz, in the over 78 kg category, announced her retirement from active sports after falling in the round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In her last fight, Ortiz was defeated by warning (three shidos) against the Serbian Milica Zabic in a match that marked her farewell after five Olympic participations.
Ortiz, who holds four Olympic medals (one gold, two silver, and one bronze), could not overcome the obstacle of Zabic, who has managed to defeat her in three of their five encounters.
Despite the defeat, Ortiz bid farewell with the satisfaction of having competed at the highest level for over a decade.
In her debut in these games, the Cuban showcased her experience and skills by defeating the Indian Tulika Maan by Ippon in just 28 seconds, using a choking technique.
This initial victory highlighted her combat capacity and reaffirmed her legacy in world judo.
Idalys Ortiz thus concludes a career filled with success, with eight medals in World Championships (two gold, two silver, and four bronze), establishing herself as one of the most important athletes in the history of Cuban sports.
In Cuban Judo, Andy Granda (+100 kg) continues to compete, having also suffered a costly setback in his second match at the judo competition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, facing the Japanese Tatsuru Saito, whom he defeated for the world title two years ago.
Regardless of the defeat, Granda qualified for the repechage and still has a chance to win at least a bronze medal.
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