Author: Inês Ribeiro, Portuguese Judo Federation
This edition of the Gaia Senior European Cup “Kiyoshi Kobayashi” 2023 is over and as always this weekend was filled with excellent contests! What an incredible weekend we had!
Portugal was the country that achieved most medals in this competiton, a total of 8 medals (3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze). The second country with more medals was Kazakhstan that achieved 6 medals (1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze). Great Britain closed the top 3 with 4 medals (1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze). In this competition participated athletes from the 5 continents and with a total of 26 nations and 206 judoka.
On this second and last day of competition the spotlights goes to the Portuguese.
Diogo BRITES, who won all of their contests by Ippon. On his way to the gold he faced Matthew SEXTON from Great Britain. In the semi finals he defeated Ivo DARGOLTZ from Argentina. The final was against Lars VISSERS from Netherland, and in an exciting contest he marked two wazaris and took the gold. On this day the home crowd had the pleasure to heard the anthem for twice from Joana CRISOSTOMO and BRITES.
For Diogo BRITES this day was great. His main goal was to claim the gold and he did it, the gold medal at the -100kg stayed in Portugal.
“This competition was great for me, my main goal was the gold and I got it. I felt great during the day”
At the organizational level Portugal is still working hard and in October Portugal will organise the Junior World Championship in Odivelas.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen