Not only did the junior athletes have a chance to perform over the 15th and 16th of June, but the seniors were also active in the Podčetrtek Senior European Cup as well. Concluding the event, Azerbaijan secured four of the total gold medals, as well as one silver and three bronze, which brought about the top place position on the medal table.
Of the 29 nations, the hosts Slovenia, placed fifth overall. This was supported by a gold medal from Leila MAZOUZI, another -63kg athlete from this notoriously strong -63kg nation. Two Olympic Champions also hail from this category in Slovenia, with another top contender with World and European accolades approaching her Olympic opportunity in Paris, and now another at the junior level.
This result wasn’t too great a surprise for Mazouzi, who has triumphed to place on the podium in both the Cadet European Championships and EYOF, but has been working towards the gold medal on the senior circuit.
It was an incredibly strong day for Mazouzi, who demonstrated her repertoire throughout each of her contests, winning with shime waza, juji gatame, o soto maki komi and o uchi gari. Arguably, there were none in the category who rivalled her confidence and determination, which was likely upheld by the crowd and supporters in the Sports Hall Podčetrtek. Only 17 years-old, Mazouzi will return to the junior circuit in a couple of weeks to compete in the Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen