We are just days away from the opening of the Junior European Judo Championships 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Anticipation is high. Who will rise, who will upset, and who will write history in the women’s categories?
April Lynn Fohouo (SUI) arrives in Bratislava as one of just three world number ones in the women’s field. The reigning junior European champion at -70kg, she is ready to defend her crown. Alongside her, two more 2024 third place finishers return: Mathilda Sophie Niemeyer (GER, -78kg) and Morgane Annis (FRA, -48kg). Still, the big question remains: who is coming to challenge them?
Annis’ road will not be easy. Rebecca Valeriani (ITA, WRL #5) may have missed the podium at last year’s junior Europeans but since then she has struck gold at senior European Cup level. Helen Habib (GER) is another serious contender, just 20 years old, she recently clinched bronze at the World University Games. Then there’s Sofia Mazzola (ITA), junior European silver medallist in 2023, who has already proven herself on senior podiums this season.
The list doesn’t stop there. Szeleczki Szabina (HUN) stunned the senior world stage this year, eliminating multiple senior European medallists and Olympic fifth-placer Catarina Costa in the opening round. And, of course, all eyes will be on the home crowd’s favorite: Patricia Tomankova (SVK). A first-year junior, Tomankova dominated her cadet career with multiple European and world titles, and this year has already medalled at several junior European Cups while stepping into senior competition. Expect fireworks here, the -48kg category could flip the script entirely.
For Mathilda Sophie Niemeyer, the -78kg field looks fierce. Lila Mazzarino (FRA), last year’s champion, returns after defeating Jovana Stjepanovic (SRB) in the 2024 final. Stjepanovic is also entered again. Add Maria Hanstede (NED), who finished seventh in 2024 but rebounded to claim silver at the U23 Europeans, and the weight class becomes a battleground.
Reigning champion April Lynn Fohouo (SUI) could be headed for another clash with Teophila Darbes-Takam (FRA), her opponent in last year’s final. Both are on the entry list. Could we be in for a thrilling rematch? On paper, it seems likely.
Other Categories Heating Up
- -52kg: Alyssia Poulange (FRA, WRL #4) is the top seed. After disappointment at the 2024 Junior Europeans, she bounced back with a junior world bronze. She may find herself opposite Tabea Nika Mecklenburg (GER), last year’s bronze medallist. In the mix are other experienced names like Ilaria Finestrone (ITA), European Open medallist, and Aydan Valiyeva (AZE), U23 European silver medallist. With athletes as such, the field looks wide open.
- -57kg: Michela Terranova (ITA), a junior European bronze medallist, takes the top seed. Joining with similar pedigree is Adriana Saez Hevia (ESP).
- -63kg: Joni Geilen (NED) looks to upgrade her 2024 silver but all eyes are on Savita Russo (ITA, WRL #7). With a junior world silver (2024), junior European gold (2023), senior European bronze (2024), and an Olympic experience in Paris, Russo is the clear favorite. Still, home fans will be rooting loudly for Lenka Tomankova (SVK).
- +78kg: Last year’s champion Celia Cancan (FRA) faces her toughest challenge yet. Emma-Melis Aktas (EST) placed fifth at the senior World Championships this summer, showing immense growth since losing to Cancan in last year’s junior final. Notably, Alma Mishiner (ISR) comes with an U23 European gold, double junior European bronzes and a Grand Prix silver.
The stage is set. Champions will be tested, reputations will be built, and Bratislava may well witness the next generation of European judo legends. Follow all the action live on judoTV.com, and don’t forget to join us on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes content: @europeanjudo.
Author: Szandra Szogedi