The first day of the Gyor Cadet European Cup 2024 saw the host nation, Hungary, surpass all others, claiming the top spot in the overall standings with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Ukraine (2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) and Poland (1 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze) followed. After the medal ceremonies, some of the local young athletes shared their thoughts.
SZABO Milan (Dunaharaszti Judo Club) -50kg gold medallist
This was my second European Cup ever I finished 3rd place in Koper. Based on that, I was hoping to get a medal here in Gyor too. More to the story is the fact that in Koper I lost against Bulgaria’s Martinov and I had to face him in the final here. Fortunately, I managed to throw him for waza-ari 10 seconds prior to the contest finishing. The other fights against the French athletes were hard too. I am really pleased to have won my first ever European Cup gold medal on home soil. From next year, I am hoping to attend at more of these Cups as well as to qualify for the Europeans and Worlds. I know there is lot of work to get done for that and progress to be made but I am ready. I want to thank my coaches Illes Sandor and Ven Zoltan as they support me no matters what.
KISS Viktória (BHSE Judo Club) -48kg bronze medallist
After the world championships I had mixed feelings as I wasn’t sure what is next due the injury I picked up. We have faced additional challenges as the MRI showed nothing, so we weren’t sure what to do. Despite the unknown I followed a strict regime of physiotherapy and I started to feel the improvement. I tested my back recently at the Bahrain Gymnasiade and it seemed to be ok. Today, I also had no trouble with my back, yet I left with mixed emotions as the person whom I lost to, well, I think I could have won. On the other hand, I am proud to be here and been able to have fought at all.
SZABO Réka (BHSE Judo Club) -52kg silver medallist
For me, the first fight is always a make or break. Once I am over that I am ready to strive. I felt like I was able to concentrate better today. In the final, I knew I would face my home patriot whom I know very well so I knew it won’t be easy at all. We agreed with my coach just to go out there and enjoy as there was nothing to lose, it is my first European Cup medal. It is a nice finish to my cadet career and from next year it is all about growing into the junior stage. I won’t overthink it or be worried about the fact that I will be new amongst the juniors. I plan to continue to work hard and to do my best.
VAS Mira (UTE Judo Club) – 52kg gold medallist
After the worlds, I was disappointed as I felt I have more in me. I gave it all in my preparation but I understood it is all about progressing and there is always room to improvement. With Reka we go head-to-head plenty of time. It was a close contest, and it could have turned out differently. As per next year I am still a cadet and I want to bring medals home from both European and world championships.
GALO Bence (UTE Judo Club) -60kg bronze medallist
I have a slight disappointment because gold was the goal but I am happy to close my cadet years with a bronze medal. Next year I will join the junior circuit, in the -60kg category. Looking at my cadet career, I think I have done pretty well and I hope I can make an as smooth transition to the juniors as possible.
Follow all actions live online of the second and final day of the event via judotv.com
Author: Szandra Szogedi