PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 09: Farzad Mansouri of of Refugee Olympic Team (blue) and CJ Nickolas of Team United States (red) compete during the Men’s -80kg Round of 16 contest on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Grand Palais on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
CJ Nickolas Advances to Quarterfinals with Thrilling Comeback Win in Men's Taekwondo at 2024 Paris Olympics
by Jose Villalpando
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CJ Nickolas Advances to Quarterfinals with Thrilling Comeback Win in Men's Taekwondo at 2024 Paris Olympics
Paris, France – August 9, 2024 – Team USA's CJ Nickolas delivered an electrifying performance in the Men's Taekwondo -80kg division, defeating Farzad Mansouri of the Refugee Olympic Team (EOR) in a dramatic Round of 16 match at the Grand Palais during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
CJ Nickolas made a memorable entrance, energizing the crowd and setting the stage for an intense showdown. His charisma and energy were matched by his performance on the mat, as he showcased his skill and resilience throughout the match.
In the first round, Nickolas found himself trailing 7-4 with just 41 seconds remaining. Demonstrating remarkable composure and strategic brilliance, he mounted an impressive comeback. With a powerful body kick earning 2 points plus an additional 2 points for technique, Nickolas closed the gap. He then delivered a decisive head kick with only 14 seconds left, securing a 10-7 victory in the first round:
- Kick, Body: 2 points at 1:19 minute (+2 extra points for technique)
- Kick, Body: 2 points with 30 seconds left
- Kick, Head: 3 points with 14 seconds left
The second round showcased Nickolas's ability to maintain focus under pressure. After receiving a Gam-Jeom and trailing 0-1 at the 1:08 mark, Nickolas once again demonstrated his competitive spirit. With just 20 seconds left, he landed a decisive head kick, bringing the score to 3-1 and securing his victory in the round and the match:
- Kick, Head: 3 points with 20 seconds left
CJ Nickolas's triumph over the impressive Farzad Mansouri advances him to the quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement in his Olympic journey. His ability to perform under pressure and execute critical techniques at pivotal moments underscores his status as a top contender in the competition.
Nickolas's win adds to Team USA's successes at the Olympics and highlights the exciting potential for his continued success in the tournament.
For more updates on CJ Nickolas and the Taekwondo events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, please visit www.olympics.com. (https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/taekwondo)