Though Poland topped the medal table in the Riga Cadet European Cup 2024, with an impressive six gold, seven silver and five bronze medals, the host nation came in second, thanks to three gold medals from Tits KULLO (-73kg), Aleksandrs AVDEJEVS (-81kg) and Tomass MANFELDS (-90kg).
There were always high expectations for Manfelds, the Cadet European bronze medallist, and going in to the final he was faced with Majus GENSYS (LTU) who had defeated him in the European semi final. However on home soil, Manfelds pulled out his A-game and stole the show to take the -90kg gold.
Avdejevs came up through the ranks, taking out the top seed Tajus BABAICENKO (LTU) in his second contest before storming his way to the top spot on the podium, defeating team mate Jelisejs BUMAZKINS in the final.
Author: Thea Cowen