Judo Olympic medal

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Azerbaijani judoka Zelym Kotsoiev claimed the gold medal in the men's -100 kg category after defeating Georgia's Ilia Sulamanidze in a tightly contested final, marking Azerbaijan's second gold in these games. In the women's -78 kg division, Italy's Alice Bellandi won gold against Israel's Inbar Lanir, showcasing her offensive skill and resilience, which is especially significant given her identity as an LGBTQ athlete amidst a politically charged environment in Italy. Uzbekistan's Muzaffarbek Turoboyev secured a bronze medal in the same men's category, contributing to Uzbekistan's overall medal tally of two at the Olympics. The judo competitions have highlighted the strong performances of European athletes, with notable successes spanning multiple nations. Bellandi's victory is seen as a celebration of LGBTQ representation in sports, particularly in light of current political challenges in Italy. As the judo events continue, the outcomes reflect both personal triumphs and broader social implications.