The Qingdao Grand Prix 2025 gathered 200 athletes from 26 nations, and Europe’s judoka left a strong impression on Chinese soil, collecting medals across all three days of competition. Europe struck gold five times in Qingdao. Lara Cvjetko (CRO) dominated the -70kg category, showcasing her tactical sharpness to claim the top spot. Manon Deketer (FRA) triumphed in the -63kg division, underlining her consistency on the international stage, while Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA) secured gold in the -78kg category, adding another chapter to her illustrious career. Joining the golden rostrum in the men’s divisions were Astemir Abazov (IJF, -90kg) and Niiaz Bilalov (IJF, -100kg).
Double world silver medallist, Cvjetko reflected on her triumph during the Golden Score Show:
“I felt really good. I had a good night sleep and woke up feeling great. I knew the first fight would be tough, because the girl from North Korea was strong. I couldn’t throw her, so I had to take it into golden score and finally managed to win. After that, I felt more relaxed.
As per the final: “I had never fought my opponent from Madagascar before. I knew I had to be careful because I didn’t know her techniques, I had never felt her judo. My coach told me, ‘I’m sure you’re stronger than her, but she can surprise you.’ And she really did surprise a lot of good girls today with her tomoe-nage.
“So my coach told me, ‘Just do your judo. Don’t focus too much on her techniques, just be aware if they happen.’ For me, it’s always about finding the balance between being careful of their strongest attacks and still doing my judo when I am in good condition.”
Double Olympic medallist, Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA) joined the Golden Score Show too after her victory on the final day: “I am happy, I am proud of myself. There was a time when I wasn’t winning, when I couldn’t take a competition, so today I’m very happy. I felt really good, with no pressure. I always come with a smile, no stress, just play my judo.”
She was asked about her plans towards LA2028: “I don’t know. Right now, I just go with my feelings. If my head says yes and my body is okay, then fine, but if my head says no, then it’s different. For now, it’s about enjoying the moment. This is already my fifth Olympic cycle. When I think of it like that, I feel like a grandma! But I still love it. I still feel enthusiastic. That’s my motivation every day in training, to do better, to keep improving, and today, I’m just happy.”
Several Europeans came within touching distance of gold, securing valuable silver medals. Vlad Vișan (ROU, -90kg) battled through a tough draw to finish second, while Veg Zsombor (HUN, -100kg) impressed with powerful throws on his way to silver against a top-class field. In the heavyweight division, Marius Fizel (SVK, +100kg) surprised many with his run to the final. On the women’s side, Lea Fontaine (FRA, +78kg) also reached the final, completing a strong weekend for the French women’s team.
Europe also delivered a rich bronze medal haul across the weight categories. Shirine Boukli (FRA, -48kg) started her day in unusual circumstances, going straight into the semi-finals, which unsettled the French fighter, though she still showed her trademark speed in the bronze medal contest. Ejder Toktay (TUR, -73kg) continued his rise with another Grand Prix podium, while Vedat Albayrak (TUR, -81kg) secured bronze to confirm his reputation as an elite contender. Joining Toktay on the podium was Shamil Zilfikarov (IJF).
Hungary enjoyed double success in the -90kg division, with Safrany Peter and Nerpel Gergely both reaching the podium to underline the nation’s growing depth. Adding to the celebrations was Gyertyás Róza, who claimed bronze in the -52kg category. Angelika Szymańska (POL, -63kg) impressed with a brilliant performance to claim bronze, while Helena Vukovic (CRO, +78kg) added to Croatia’s tally with a hard-fought third place. Emma Reid (GBR, -78kg) also showed great resilience to secure a bronze medal, rounding out a strong showing for Europe.
Olympic bronze medallist Shirine Boukli also reflected on the competition in the Golden Score Show:
“It’s different, because the World Championships are like a long preparation, that is the target. You want to be world champion. A Grand Prix like this is a chance to try something new, to face opponents you have never fought before. It’s also cool to work differently with your style and test things on the mat. At the World Championships, you don’t try something new. So this is the perfect preparation event for big competitions like the Worlds.”
With medals spread across several nations, European judoka displayed resilience and quality in every category. France led the way with the biggest medal haul, while Hungary’s multi-medal campaign confirmed the nation’s growing presence on the world circuit. As the road to the 2026 European Championships and World Championships continues, the Qingdao Grand Prix highlighted Europe’s competitive power.
Images: IJF/ Di Feliciantonio Emanuele
Author: Szandra Szogedi