One of many remaining qualifying stops on the European Judo Tour would be the Madrid European Open 2024, and with this, it’ll carry some prime names who’re both seeking to strengthen their place within the seeding or affirm their qualification spot for Paris 2024.
Final week in Marrakech, the likes of the Teddy RINER (FRA/+100kg), Marcus NYMAN (SWE/-90kg) and Mihail LATISEV (MDA) topping the podiums of the African Open match. As we all know, the French have a house nation spot in each weight class however Riner is already within the prime eight, however with some additional factors may discover a strategically higher place. Nyman is chasing down staff mate Ida ERIKSSON (-70kg) for the continental quota place, and if he manages the gold this weekend, may earn his place within the Paris line-up. As for Latisev, he already has the continental quota place however these additional wins may put him in a safer place.
Together with some repeat performances, we have now one particular determine, one donning a golden again patch; Lasha BEKAURI (GEO). Bekauri already sits on prime of the world rating listing within the -90kg class, so there might be no benefit gained by his presence in Madrid, nevertheless it’s a remaining alternative to compete after lacking the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
There’s a large French entry, 81-strong to be actual, most of whom gained’t be seeing out their Olympic dream in Paris, however are displaying energy in numbers regardless. Masters silver medallist Alexis MATHIEU (-90kg), Coralie HAYME (+78kg), Benjamin AXUS (-73kg) and Manon DEKETER, who will seemingly take the place of Clarisse AGBEGNENOU because the main -63kg competitor following the present Olympic Champions retirement. There’s additionally a shock on the backside, Axel CLERGET might be competing on the -100kg weight, and though we initially thought his huge farewell was in Abu Dhabi, we’re happy to see him once more with the staff this weekend.
Given the names already listed, the classes might be very sturdy, however the host nation, Spain, have just a few weapons of their arsenal, and with a 97-strong staff, we are able to see some medals on the horizon.
After taking a 3rd place place final 12 months, Jorge CANO GARCIA has been making a reputation for himself within the -73kg class, defeating the likes of Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI, competing as a member of OJK Belgrade, successful the Champions League. Gemma Maria GOMEZ ANTONA is the following highest ranked entry however within the -48kg class, claiming a fifth place within the Kazakhstan Grand Slam final month in addition to a silver medal within the U23 European Championships. Laura VAZQUEZ FERNANDEZ, the present U23 European Champion within the -63kg class, took fifth place in Madrid final 12 months, however with the additional expertise on senior stage may have bettered her probabilities within the 2024 version. Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ additionally launched herself within the -52kg class, with two Grand Slam bronze medals in 2024; Antalya and Kazakhstan.
After all that is only a small choice of Crew Spain, however their achievements are available droves and historical past may very effectively be made on the tatami on the eighth and ninth of June.
Judoka
Creator: Thea Cowen
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