It has been a long time coming for Flavia FAVORINI (ITA), the eventual gold medallist of the -63kg category in the Sarajevo European Open 2024. Not short of success in the European Cup events, she dabbled on the Continental Open level before being exposed to the IJF World Judo Tour.
Though she hasn’t yet laid claim to a medal on the big stage, Favorini returned to this Open event and made clear that the experience she garnered with the best athletes in the world had prepared her in a phenomenal way.
In the final of the -63kg category, Flavia FAVORINI (ITA) came through to face Laura VAZQUEZ FERNANDEZ (ESP). From the get go it was a high tempo contest, the fight for grips taking it out of the pair, but Favorini had the edge. The defence of both so great that the contest continued well in to golden score, Favorini demonstrating smart contest management, remaining relentless in her attacks, forcing Vazquez to pick up three shidos.
It is my first medal in a European Open, it has been a long time since I won and I have been waiting for it, the feeling is very good. There are things to look at and do better, in my technical sessions but my body felt good and this is only a little step towards my objective.
There is definitely some difference on IJF, they have more experience and are more tactical, so I hope I will get a medal on the Tour soon. I may be in Tokyo for the Grand Slam but this is the decision of the federation.
For Favorini, judo was always on the cards, coming from a lineage of judoka, it was simply a matter of time before she took it up and it has since became her passion. Now she trains in the Banzai Cortina club under Fiamme Azzurre in Rome, as well as studying in economics. Not only that, but she is in Sarajevo with boyfriend, and number one supporter, Daniele ACCOGLI.
He is my friend, my coach, it is so important for me because he helps me with everything, he stays with me, helps me with my studies, with training, everything! It is difficult because I have little time for studying, after training I am so tired, but I only have five more exams to go! It is important to have for after the judo career though so it will be worth it.
Author: Thea Cowen