Kosovo’s rising judo star, Laura Fazliu, has clinched a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In her debut Olympic appearance, Fazliu triumphed over Croatian judoka Katarina Kristo in the 63 kg category, marking a historic moment for both her career and her country.

The fiercely contested bronze medal match went into overtime, known as “golden score.” The decisive moment came when Kristo, aged 22, received three penalties (shido) for an error in her attempt to throw the 23-year-old Kosovar athlete.

Fazliu’s journey to her first Olympic medal began with a bye in the initial round. She then faced and defeated China’s Jing Pang, advancing to the quarterfinals. Although she was bested by France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou, the defeat did not end her Olympic dreams. Fazliu bounced back, overcoming Canada’s Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard and finally securing the bronze against Kristo.

This victory not only marks Fazliu’s first Olympic medal but also adds to Kosovo’s growing list of Olympic achievements. The bronze is Kosovo’s fifth overall Olympic medal and its second at Paris 2024, following Distria Krasniqi’s silver medal over the weekend. Judo remains the only sport to bring Olympic medals to Kosovo.

Kosovo sent a delegation of nine athletes to Paris, competing in judo, swimming, athletics, and boxing. While six have already concluded their events, athletes like Gresa Bakraqi in athletics, Hana Beiqi in swimming, and Loriana Kuka in judo are yet to compete, holding the nation’s hopes for more Olympic glory.

Since making its Olympic debut in Rio 2016, Kosovo has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing its talent and determination on the world stage. The Summer Olympics, held every four years, are the pinnacle of international sporting events, celebrating the spirit of competition and excellence.