Just four months after returning to training, Louis Krieber-Gagnon took part in the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, where he finished with a record of one win and one loss in the -90 kg category.
It was the first participation in the worlds for the Quebecer since 2018.
The latter first emerged victorious from his duel against the Lebanese Caramnob Sagaipov in the first round. After more than six minutes of combat, the Canadian managed to throw Sagaipov to the ground to score a waza-ari.
“I was happy to win, it was a good strategic fight. In the end, we were both tired and I forced him to take a second shido. He took more risks and I took advantage of an opening to score,” commented Louis-Krieber Gagnon.
“Sagaipov is an athlete who has stood out on the international scene lately. Louis put up a great fight and was able to keep his composure from start to finish,” added national team coach Antoine Valois-Fortier.
Krieber-Gagnon then had an appointment with Mansur Lorsanov and once again extra time was needed to determine a winner. The attack of the Canadian attempted at the start of extra time was however countered by Lorsanov, who then managed to retaliate to save himself with the victory.
Georgian Luka Maisuradze was crowned world champion under 90 kg by winning the final against his compatriot Lasha Bekauri. Bronze medals were awarded to Sweden’s Marcus Nyman and Japan’s Sanshiro Murao.
Return after injury
Injured in a shoulder during the Pan American Championships last year, Louis Krieber-Gagnon underwent an operation in July and was kept away from judo thereafter. He returned to training in January and competition in March, motivated to continue his progress on the international scene.
“Louis is progressing well and is in the right direction. We are very close to an important click,” indicated Valois-Fortier.
The principal concerned is of the same opinion and this experience at the worlds has proven to him that he has what it takes to be part of the elite.
“I’m disappointed to have lost in the second fight, but I see that I don’t miss it much. I didn’t get dominated during my defeat and my opponent had already won a Grand Slam in 2021. It’s motivating and it shows that I have my place, that I’m level. I still have work to do, but I will be able to make podiums at major competitions,” shared Krieber-Gagnon.
Kyle Reyes and Shady ElNahas will be the last Canadians in action at these World Championships. They will both fight in the under 100 kg category on Friday.
2023-05-11 22:00:49
#Judo #years #Louis #KrieberGagnon
