It was a long day for Andreja, but after five bouts she deservedly won the Olympic title. First she defeated Georgian rival Eter Askilashvili, then Algeria's Amina Belkadi, and then Canada's Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard. With her victory over the latter, she secured a direct semi-final berth against the host and Tokyo Olympic champion, Clarisse Agbegnenou of France. She defeated Mexico's Prisca Awiti Alcaraz to win the gold medal in the U63kg category.

"This morning I told myself that I had to give it my all, I had five fights and in the end I came through them all with wins," she said, adding that the basis of the road to success is dedicated training. "I wish all the other Slovenian athletes, the national team, all the best in the competitions. Let this be an encouragement for them. Lots of perseverance and just gas!" she enthusiastically told the large crowd and thanked everyone for their outstanding support.

The President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee, Franjo Bobinac, said that it was a great privilege to have been in the hall and to have watched this fantastic fight, this strength, this commitment, this relentlessness... "Today Ljubljana is not the centre of Slovenia, but it is the Slovenian House in Paris," said an enthusiastic President Bobinac. He thanked Andrea's family, all the coaches, the selector and the fans for their dedication and support.

More photos at: Gallery.