Pihla Kaivo-oja’s Olympic tournament was very successful as a whole, even though the Turkish opponent was stronger in the quarter-finals.
Emma Hyuppa,
Janne Karinkanta
3.8. 22:28•Updated 3.8. 23:34
Paris Olympics on channels 26.7.–11.8. Go to the competition website here. You can find the entire program of the games here.
Pilha Kaivo-ojan the Olympic career ended with a quarter-final loss to Turkey Buse to Naz Cakiroglu. The 21-year-old Finnish promise finished fifth in the 50-kilogram boxing tournament, while Cakiroglu advanced to the medal matches.
Kaivo-oja bravely challenged Cakiroglu, but the experienced Turk won the match by a unanimous vote of the judges 5–0.
– Of course I’m disappointed after the lost match. I didn’t just come to participate, but to succeed, Kaivo-oja said.
Kaivo-oja went into the semifinals as a clear underdog, as Cakiroglu, 28, has been considered one of the biggest advance favorites of the entire tournament. He himself has announced a gold medal in Paris as his goal.
Three years ago, the Turk won silver at the Tokyo Olympics. He is also the reigning European Champion and 2022 World Champion.
Watch the match highlights:
Kaivo-oja also found good things to say about his performance against the early favorite.
– As well (I was able to follow the match plan) as my skills were enough today. I felt like I was always a little behind in situations. The Turk was always one step ahead. It was a time to hang out and do things quickly. The thought kept bothering me all the time. The package had to be packed so the guy wouldn’t be surprised.
This is how Kaivo-oja commented on his Olympic colleague:
His life in good shape in the Olympic ring
Overall, Kaivo-oja’s first appearance at the Olympic Games was very successful. On Thursday, he defeated the American in his second round match Jennifer Lozano 5–0. Lozano was ranked sixth in the tournament.
– Huh, you need to take a breath to be able to process this experience. It has been unique to be able to compete in the ring three times. I have enjoyed every second. I feel that I have been in the best shape of my life in these games and this is where I belong, Kaivo-oja smiled.
The Tampere boxer’s fifth place is the Finnish Olympic team’s best finish at the Paris Games so far. Coach Maarit Teuronen was overall satisfied with his young protégé’s actions.
– Today he didn’t get the most out of it, which is understandable when he is such an inexperienced athlete. It was a tough place when you’re fighting for an Olympic medal. The Olympics was a really good and educational experience, especially for a boxer who is just starting out, Teuronen said.