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France once again confirmed its dominance at the end of the second day of the Junior European Cup in Lignano Sabbiadoro, collecting the highest number of gold medals. The French team secured five victories, for a total of fifteen medals. Italy, the host country, followed with three golds and twelve overall medals. In third place was a surprising Ukraine, which, with only five athletes in competition, managed to take home three gold medals.
Standout performances came from Annis MORGANE (FRA) and Gaia STELLA (ITA). The French judoka repeated her success from last year, while the Italian had previously won in Lignano in 2023, narrowly missing the podium last year.
Morgane claimed victory after defeating Flavia FIORAVANTI (ITA) by ippon in the elimination rounds, and Lena ANTONIE (BEL) by a combination of waza-ari. A waza-ari against HARSVOLGYI Tamara (HUN) secured her a spot in the final, where she triumphed over Sofia MAZZOLA (ITA).
It was a good final, we did good judo, so I’m happy. I dedicate this win to my friends and teammates from the national team, and of course, to my family.
Stella’s road to the final saw her defeat JUTTNER Janka (HUN), Maira MEDEMA (NED), Alicia MARQUES (FRA), Carina KLAUS-STERNWIESSER (AUT), and finally Odalis SANTIAGO SANTANA (ESP). Gaia won all five matches without ever backing down, often eking out small advantages over her opponents. In the final, she defeated the Spanish judoka with a waza-ari from an osotogari after several minutes of golden score.
Winning a medal at home, in Italy, is always a great satisfaction. The last match was tough. I had never faced the Spanish athlete before, but I studied the match beforehand and it went well.
The European Cup in Lignano, which continues the tradition of the Tarcento Trophy now in its 42nd edition, ended with praise from Head Sport Commissioner Erez NEVO for all the volunteers.
Arrivederci from Lignano!
Judoka
Author: EJU Media