Frenchwoman Shirine Boukli was crowned European champion in less than 48 kg on November 3, 2023 in Montpellier (Sylvain THOMAS)
Frenchwoman Shirine Boukli was crowned European judo champion in the under 48 kg category for the third time in her career, Friday in Montpellier.
Boukli, 24, already titled at continental level in 2020 and 2022, won in the final against the Portuguese Catarina Costa, whom she also beat in the final last year.
Tied at the end of regulation time, Boukli managed to gain the upper hand in overtime.
To reach the final, the Frenchwoman, world No.2 in the category, successively dominated the Israeli Tamar Malca, the Russian Sabina Giliazova then the Spaniard Mireia Lapuerta.
“It’s beautiful,” she responded. “It wasn’t easy but I’m so proud because I didn’t give up and I went all the way. (…) I know that I gave myself the means and I knew that I I was able to do it. That’s a crazy accomplishment!”
Nine months before the Paris Olympics, she confirms her good form after her silver medal won last May at the World Championships in Doha.
dif/cyj
2023-11-04 03:26:39
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