Zanet MICHAELIDOU of Cyprus can celebrate, not only her first medal as a senior athlete, but her accomplishment came in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam event. In turn, this marks a historic moment for Cyprus, their first Grand Slam medal as a nation.
It was an emotional conclusion for 20 year-old Michaelidou who defeated Raffaela IGL (GER) for the -78kg bronze medal, a waza ari-scoring o soto gari in the first 15 seconds will forever mark this important day.
I have no words to express what this means, I have made a lot of sacrifices to be here. I am no longer living at home, in my birth place, I am based in Italy. I’m lucky to have the support of our president, Sotos TRIKOMITIS, he really helps a lot. We are limited in Cyprus with judoka and we need to be abroad a lot of the time to improve.
Michaelidou took a moment to really reflect, her voice cracking in her next statement,
Last week I missed my mothers birthday again, maybe fifth one now, and I thought no matter what I must take a medal, and this isn’t just for her, but for my whole family. I just remember going in thinking ‘I have to win, I must win, I must secure it.’ I am so happy for my performance today, my family support me in my good and bad times, my losses, so now they can share in my win.
Italy is certainly a good base, and especially in the weight category that can now boast an Olympic Champion, Alice BELLANDI, and Michaelidou agreed it is a good opportunity, though not in the same club, there have been opportunities to practice with the top athlete.
Next up for the young Cypriot is the European Championships of the Small States and the Rome European Open, then a huge focus on the IJF World Judo Tour in 2025!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen