Monday, October 30th, 2023.- Cuba's delegation celebrated on Tuesday as they dramatically defeated Brazil in the final of the mixed team judo category, with a 4-3 victory that was ultimately decided in the golden score of the seventh period. In this way, they secured the sixth gold medal for their country in this discipline.

To reach the final stage, the Brazilian team overcame Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Colombia in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Cuba did the same, defeating Mexico in the quarters and the Dominican Republic in the semis. Chile was eliminated in the round of eight, falling to the Dominicans.

In the final round, Brazil got off to a strong start, leading 1-0 thanks to Gabriel Falcao's waza-ari against Magdiel Estrada. In the second period, Cuban Idelannis Gómez defeated Luana Carvalho by 10-0, and immediately, the Cubans took a 2-1 lead thanks to Iván Silva's waza-ari against Rafael Macedo in the third round.

In the fourth round, Beatriz Souza eliminated Idalys Ortíz with an ippon (10-0), bringing the match back to a tie. The fifth period was won by Cuba, with Andy Granda's victory, and the sixth went to Brazil due to the opponent's non-appearance.

In the seventh and final round, Andy Granda and Rafael Silva extended the contest to a golden score. The three shidos committed by the South American competitor were enough for his opponent to win by ippon, securing the gold for his delegation.

The bronze medal matches were won by the Dominican Republic, defeating Argentina 4-1, and by Colombia, who overcame Mexico 4-2.

Written by Catalina Gamboa; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Juan Carlos Romo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport