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Canada’s Jessica Klimkait wins judo bronze at Tokyo Olympics

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Whitby’s Jessica Klimkait wins Judo Bronze in Tokyo
Team Canada's Jessica Klimkait has won the bronze medal after defeating Slovenia's Kaja Kajzer. The 24-year-old is the first Canadian woman to win an olympic medal in Judo. Frazer Snowdon has reaction from the region. – Jul 26, 2021

Canada’s Jessica Klimkait has won bronze in the women’s under-57 kilogram category at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 24-year-old from Whitby, Ont., defeated Kaja Kajzer of Slovenia in the semi-final to claim bronze. Kosovo’s Judoka Nora Gjakova won the Olympic gold medal, beating Sarah-Leonie Cysique of France in the final.

Klimkait is the first Canadian woman to ever win an Olympic medal in judo.

“It means a lot to me,” Klimkait said in a press conference after the event. “This was my goal since I started judo from a little girl, so I’m really happy.”

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“The last two or three years, there was a lot of uncertainty if I would even be here at this Olympic Games. So once I knew that it was official, my eyes were set on the podium. Obviously, I hoped for more, but I’m happy that I collected myself to reach the podium anyways.”

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Klimkait added that she would like to share this medal with all the friends, family, coaches and training partners who have supported her over the years. “They deserve a piece of this as well,” she said.

Japan’s Tsukasa Yoshida also won bronze in the event.

– with files from Reuters

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