Kovács's past few months preceding the Olympics were nightmarish. The athlete's condition was so serious that it looked like she would miss the Olympics.Continue reading
Hungarian karateka Gábor Hárspataki won the bronze medal in men’s 75kg kumite karate at the Tokyo Olympics. The sport was included in the Olympic program for the very first time.
The Hungarian athlete already showed excellent performances in the group phase. Although he was defeated by his second opponent (who even broke Hárspataki’s nose in that match), the Hungarian karateka won his group.
Photo by Tamás Kovács/MTI
The first place in the group also meant that he would definitely win a medal.
Before the semi-finals, he declared with high confidence that “No matter who comes, I’m going to smash him!”
Photo by Tamás Kovács/MTI
Unfortunately, his next opponent was the the biggest favorite of the tournament, five-time world and one-time European champion, Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan, who defeated the Hungarian 7-0.
“Unfortunately my opponent took all his chances and I think once the judges misjudged an action,” the bronze medalist said after the semi-final to sports channel M4.
I’m proud to be on the podium, I’m very happy, but this is not how I planned my last match to turn out. I would like to thank everyone for their support”
Although as the race progressed, he set higher goals for himself, Hárspataki’s bronze medal is a tremendous achievement for both him and Hungarian karate.
Featured photo by Tamás Kovács/MTI