The individual tournament of the European Judo Championships of the Small States Nicosia 2024 is off to an exhilarating start, with the morning dedicated to the cadets’ competition. These young, spirited judoka filled the arena with energy and enthusiasm, showcasing their developing skills and deep passion for the sport. With every technique, whether it be a throw or groundwork, they reinforced the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that judo instills in its practitioners. With almost every nation’s representative winning a medal, the cadet showed strong signs of development across the small states.
Ugo MARCHIORI (LUX), Gold medallist -50kg category
Two years ago, I was a volunteer when this tournament first started. Watching others compete was exciting and I was eager to fight. Now, my chance finally arrived. This was also my first ever EJU event, so I am very happy to have started with a gold medal, especially given that my stamina was compromised from being ill recently. I looked confident because that’s just my style, whether it’s an EJU event or not. It may be a small medal, but it’s an important one for me.
Nik FOSER (LIE), Silver medallist -55kg category
I felt good today; there’s a great atmosphere, and it’s a well-organised tournament. I only started competing internationally this year, so this was just my third event. I still have plenty to work on, like my osoto-gari and kumi-kata. In the final, I walked onto him, which cost me the match, but I’m okay with taking home the silver medal.
Helena BJARNADOTTIR (ISL), Silver medallist of the -63kg category
I am happy but I know I could have done better in the final. I am going to fight in the seniors so I will give it a go again. I only started competing at EJU evens last year and it is my first medal. Judo is not very big in Iceland, so I am very happy to show my country, I am proud to achieve this medal for Iceland. I will do my best to get more recognition for our country.
Joanet GILABERT (AND), Bronze medallist of the -60kg category
I am very happy with my bronze medal. It is my first time at an international tournament and everything is so big [pointing at the venue]. I was nervous especially during the first fight, hence I lost, as well as I was surprised by the throw my opponent did, I did not expect that. Now I pass the challenge to the senior members of the team.
Kyriakos SPETSIOS (CYP), Gold medallist of the -73kg category
I am very proud of myself, I work really hard for this. I have a goal to compete at the cadet Europeans and worlds next year so I will continue to work towards that. I am thankful for my parents and my club for supporting me, this medal means a lot. Having won gold on home soil is even more special, I had a lot of support from my family and teammates during the day. It was really great.
Andrijana SUTOVIC (MNE), Gold medallist of the -70kg category
I am so proud becuase before this competition I had a little injury and yet I was able to show my best. I have faced other challenges like changing 4 categories at a rapid pace, from -52kg to now -70kg. The style is different for each category so it was a lot of work with my coach to constantly adjust. Now this style suits me, I am happy in the -70kg category, this is for me.
Cyprus topped the medals table in the morning session with 10 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals. Luxembourg (2-0-3) and Montenegro (1-0-0) follow. The seniors will be in action in the afternoon. Check out the gallery on eju.net and follow all the updates on the EJU Event Channel on Telegram.
Images: Emanuele DI FELICIANTONIO
Author: Szandra Szogedi