Im Ae-ji Advances to Quarterfinals... First Medal Challenge in Women's Boxing History [Paris Olympics]

Decision Victory in 54kg Class Round of 16

Lim Ae-ji (25, Hwasun County Office), the leading figure in Korean women's boxing, secured a valuable victory on the Olympic stage and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Lim Ae-ji (right), who achieved the first victory for Korean women's boxing. Photo by AFP=Yonhap News

On the 30th (local time), Lim Ae-ji won a 4-1 decision (30-27 30-27 30-27 30-27 27-30) against Tatiana Regina de Jesus Chagas (Brazil) in the round of 16 of the women's 54kg boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at the North Arena in Paris, France.

Only one judge favored the Brazilian boxer from rounds 1 through 3, while the other four judges ruled that Lim Ae-ji dominated the match throughout. Since women's boxing was first included as an official event at the 2012 London Olympics, Lim Ae-ji is the first Korean athlete to achieve a victory.

Earlier, Oh Yeon-ji (33, Ulsan Metropolitan City Sports Council), who also participated, was narrowly defeated by Usui (Taiwan) in the round of 32. However, Lim Ae-ji overcame the round of 16 barrier and upheld the pride of Korean boxing.

Lim Ae-ji made her Olympic debut alongside Oh Yeon-ji at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, both athletes lost in their first matches. At the Paris Olympics, while male boxers failed to secure any qualification spots, both female boxers earned their tickets to Paris, proving their skills. Although Oh Yeon-ji was eliminated in the first round, Lim Ae-ji advanced with a first-round bye and then secured a victory in the round of 16.

Lim Ae-ji (right), who achieved the first victory for Korean women's boxing. AP=Yonhap News

Having advanced through the draw with a first-round bye, Lim Ae-ji showcased outstanding skills in the second round that day. She maintained distance from her opponent Tatiana Regina de Jesus Chagas, using footwork to execute hit-and-move outboxing tactics and accumulate points. Utilizing lively footwork, she capitalized on scoring with her lead hand. When the victory was announced, Lim Ae-ji raised both hands and celebrated her joy.

In a post-match mixed zone interview, Lim Ae-ji said, "I tried to do what I do best, but I feel a bit disappointed as it didn't go perfectly. I will practice and improve from now on." She added, "The Olympics are the Olympics. No opponent is easy. With about two days left until the quarterfinals, I will prepare thoroughly."

Lim Ae-ji will face Yeni Marcela Arias Casta?eda (Colombia) at 4:04 AM KST on the 2nd in the quarterfinals. In boxing, reaching the semifinals guarantees a bronze medal. Therefore, if she wins the quarterfinal match, Lim Ae-ji will become the first Korean boxer to win an Olympic medal since Han Sun-chul (men's lightweight silver medal) at the 2012 London Olympics, and the first ever to win a medal in Korean women's boxing.

Leading female boxers Oh Yeon-ji (left) and Lim Ae-ji, who both secured spots for the Paris Olympics.

Despite injuries to her left shoulder and left leg, Lim Ae-ji has persistently prepared for the Paris Olympics and plans to approach the quarterfinals calmly, as she did in the round of 16.

Having tasted the bitter defeat of a round of 16 exit at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lim Ae-ji vowed to perform well in the stage she has prepared for over three years by securing this victory.