It was the duel of the last two European champions in this category – Jelić won gold in Sofia this year, and Williams won gold three years ago in Kazan.
In the uncertain final, the result was 13-13 entering the final minute, but then Williams with two kicks to the body reached an advantage of 17-13. It was 21-15 for Williams until 15 seconds before the end when Jelić managed to reach colossal success with three kicks to the head.
This is the fourth medal for Croatia in the women’s taekwondo competition. Before Jelić, bronze medals were won by Sandra Šarić and Martina Zubčić in Beijing in 2008, Lucija Zaninović in London in 2012, and Toni Kanaet earlier on Monday in Tokyo.
TK Marjan Split thus achieved incredible success today in Tokyo! Jelić’s gold is the greatest success for Croatian taekwondo at the Olympic Games.
In her first appearance in Tokyo, Jelić defeated Haitian Lauren Lee 22-2, in the quarterfinals Brazilian Milena Titonelli 30-9, and secured a medal with a 15-4 victory against American Paige McPherson in the semis.
More soon…
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