Prior to the Cadet World Judo Championships 2024, the cadet athletes had already warmed up with their continental championships in Bulgaria. However for some of the front runners, a day that should have been brimming with celebration, felt short of their expectation when they left without a medal. It is worth remembering that cadet level is still very much about development, with many senior athletes not realising their full potential until their late twenties. Nevertheless, a medal is certainly a nice thing to achieve.
In the -63kg category, two of the top athletes; Sinem ORUC (TUR) and Hanna ZAITSEVA (POL) were left heartbroken in Bulgaria, the defending champion from Türkiye had a shock early exit. On this occasion however, they have made the ultimate comeback and found themselves on the world podium, Zaitseva taking a hard-earned silver, and Oruc the world bronze. The current European Champion, Amelia PTASINSKA (POL) also continued on her winning streak by securing the second bronze medal, and a fifth medal for team Poland. The only nation with more medals at the end of day three is Brazil.
In the -81kg category, the top two seeds went out in the opening rounds and only one in the top four ended the day with a medal. Mykhailo SOLIANYK (UKR) finished with the silver medal in the European Championships and in Peru, the bronze medal. In Bulgaria, Solianyk lost his final to Abu-Bakr KANTAEV (IJF), and once again, Kantaev succeeded against the Ukrainian in the quarter final in Peru, going on to defeat Kenzo CREMERS (BEL) in the semi final, only to meet Ilia SIMONOV (IJF) in the final.
It was a gruelling 7 minutes of golden score for the pair, however Kantaev had the edge, Simonov picked up two shidos and finally, an ashi waza combination from Kantaev sealed his winning fate. It was a good show between athletes, that he stayed with his opponent on the tatami and helped him to his feet.
Only the top spot was taken from Europe in the -57kg category, with TERBISH Ariunzaya (MGL) becoming the Cadet World Champion, however top seed, Manon AGATI-ALOUACHE (FRA) took herself to the final and left with the silver medal. There were chances for both finalist nations to leave with a two-medal collection in this category, however the French and Mongolian athletes in the bronze medal contests were beaten out. Jolina REINHOLD (GER) lost out to Agati-Alouache in the quarter final but found her winning streak through the repechage to take bronze. Also losing out to the French silver medallist was Evelina BOSIEK (IJF) in the semi final, who then fought for the other bronze medal.
Never off the podium in 2024, Jasur IBADLI (AZE) has been slowly working his way toward a gold medal, but has settled for the silver or bronze on numerous occasion, including the bronze in the Cadet European Championships. However this day was different and one by one, he defeated his six opponents to become the ultimate victor! In the final he took on the European silver medallist, Timur DAVIDOV (IJF) who would have been hoping to taste the gold on this occasion, however finding his way to two consecutive major finals is still a very impressive feat.
Noah BOUE (FRA) also levelled up in Lima, after narrowly missing out in Bulgaria, he ensured he placed on the podium in Peru, swiping the bronze.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen