NAME: Denis VIERU
COUNTRY: REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
CATEGORY: -66KG
WORLD RANKING POINTS: 6580
One of the most dynamic and exciting judoka on the World Judo Tour is Denis VIERU of Moldova, who started and ended the year as world ranked number one in the -66kg category.
His beautiful judo and ballistic style, always entertaining the spectators as well as his peers. He kickstarted the year with a bronze at the prestigious Paris Grand Slam, clinched a silver at the Masters and towards the end of the year, added another two Grand Slam bronzes (Baku and Tokyo) to his collection. The highlight, undoubtedly was to finally win the senior Europeans back in November in Montpellier. With all that, he remained on top of his respected weight category.
Off the tatami, Vieru was recently given the Fair Play Award. During the Final Four Bundesliga event in Austria, the champion silently left the celebrations with his team to gift his medal to a young fan he had met earlier in the day. The father had written to say how much this gesture had meant to his son and their family, resulting in the recognition.
There is still a lengthy road to walk before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, but he is leading the charge of his category and will have his goal set on these Games. He is in a positive state of mind and is happily preparing for the remaining challenges heading his way.
Judoka
Author: Szandra Szogedi