Jamaica’s Judoka Ashley McKenzie eliminated in Olympic round of 16
PARIS, France – An emotional Ashley McKenzie bowed out at the round of 16 in the 60kg division of Judo to world top 10 ranked Salir Yildiz of Turkey at the Olympic Games in Paris on Saturday.
Five times British champion McKenzie, who switched allegiances to Jamaica in 2023, said he had chances to end the bout earlier but the referee called “matte” on one occasion, immediately before a cry from an arm-locked Yildiz which would have ended matters.
A subsequent Waza-ari for his Turkish opponent, 39 seconds from the end and counting as half the Ippon needed for victory, was ultimately enough to end the Londoner’s involvement in Paris 2024.
A disappointed Ashley McKenzie, of Jamaica, at the mixed zone after losing against Turkey’s Salir Yildiz in Judo at the Olympic Games on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Barely an hour earlier, twice Commonwealth champion McKenzie had got through the previous round when an initially awarded Waza-ari was quickly changed to an Ippon, by video replay, against Hesham Mahabr of Yemen.
McKenzie, now 35, fought back tears as he contemplated his future and possible retirement, after the match.
“I need time out now, to speak to my coach and others. I wish him (Yildiz) well and hope he goes on to get a medal,” he said.
