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Author: Tatjana Flade
Rising judo star Patricia Tomankova of Slovakia might not have reached all her goals at the European Judo Championships Senior in Podgorica, Montenegro, but she can leave with her head held high. At just 17 years of age, the two-time World Cadet Champion debuted at the senior-level European Championships in the -48kg and though she lost her contest against the much more experienced Catarina Costa of Portugal, her talent is obvious and the future looks bright.
“I’m a little disappointed by the fight because I felt I could win it,” Tomankova said. “Catarina [Costa] is really good and I was excited to fight her in competition because we met a lot of times in training camps and I was able to win every round against her. I think it was a good fight but I got a little bit injured on my elbow.”
Nevertheless, the experience counts for Tomankova who soaked up the atmosphere and the whole setting of the competition at the Morača Sports Center. “I’m happy that I experienced the atmosphere and to be with the best of the sport in Europe is really good for me I hope to come back next year.”
“I think I learned a lot,” the Slovakian continued. “Even to be here is a really good experience and I know I should work more, think better and improve. I think I need better technique.”
Improvement should be only a matter of time as Tomankova has soared to the top at the cadet level very quickly. She won the European and World Cadet titles in 2024 and 2023, and collected medals in 2022. Tomankova hails from a true judo family with her older brother Jozef competing in Podgorica as well in the -60kg. The duo is coached by their father, Jozef. Their older sister was a competitive judoka as well.
“I enjoyed judo from a very early age,” Tomankova shared. “I was really looking forward to be like my sister, fight her on the national team and win. Also my older brother helped me with everything. I’m really thankful for him and to our father because he is a really great coach. I’m really looking up to my brother because he is really an awesome fighter. He has a lot of injuries and he is still going. I think it’s amazing.”
Judo fascinates the high school student for its individuality. “Everyone can have their own judo and I can play my own judo and do what is the best for me.” The season is far from over for Tomankova.
“My next plan is to compete at the Junior European Championships. This will be in Slovakia, so it will be on my home soil and I want to do perfectly and then I’m going to compete at the World Junior Championships.”
Expectations will be high but Tomankova has all what she needs to succeed. Her experience from Podgorica will only help her to grow.
Author: EJU Media