A total of 37 medals were claimed by Europe at the Lima Grand Prix 2025, held from 11–13 October. Among them were eight golden moments and a few were nothing short of spectacular. One of the standout performances came from Mihajlo Simic (SRB), who, just days after earning bronze at the Junior World Championships, stormed to gold in the -81kg category. Another remarkable triumph was delivered by Ida Eriksson (SWE), who captured gold in the -70kg division. Let’s relive their final bouts, discover how they secured their victories, and more.
The final of the -81kg category between Johan Silot (USA) vs Mihajlo Simin (SRB) unfolded as a measured tactical battle until the halfway point, when Mihajlo Simin broke the deadlock with a ko-uchi-gari that earned him a yuko. Buoyed by that advantage, the Serbian judoka continued to dominate in ne-waza, freeing his leg through astute groundwork to secure a first waza-ari hold, swiftly followed by a second to seal victory. It was a commanding and composed performance that delivered Simin his first Grand Prix medal.
The –70kg final between Giorgia Stangherlin (ITA) vs Ida Eriksson (SWE) was an evenly balanced contest, with Stangherlin’s left-handed stance and Eriksson’s right-sided gripping largely neutralising each other’s attacks. As the bout appeared destined for golden score, a counter attack on the edge of the tatami proved decisive, securing Ida Eriksson her first Grand Prix gold medal. Remarkably, it marked Sweden’s first Grand Prix victory since 2019. It was the 10th victory for Sweden at a Grand Prix level.
Though the name Amandine Buchard (FRA) is familiar to everyone, this past weekend she made a storming debut in the -57kg category, claiming a silver medal after a thrilling final against her teammate, Faiza Mokdar. Later, the double Olympic medallist shared on social media:
“A silver medal and a bitter taste. Losing my final within ten seconds of the end while I was leading is a tough one to swallow but that’s sport: it forgives nothing, especially when the body says stop. I gave my all away. After an intensive quarter and semi final my body gave up on me at a time when I still needed it but I keep my head up. I don’t like to lose but I am proud of the journey.”
Other victories were claimed by the usual suspects, including Lukas Krpálek (CZE / +100kg) and Raz Hershko (ISR / +78kg). The latter faced Emma Melis Aktas (EST / +78kg) in the final, a judoka who has shown impressive consistency and finally secured her first IJF World Tour medal. Metka Lobnik (SLO) triumphed in the -78kg category, Valerio Accogli (ITA) took gold in -66kg, and Izhak Ashpiz (ISR) also shone brightly with gold in -60kg.
The next IJF World Tour event is scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 17–19 October. We wish all European athletes continued success as they carry their momentum forward.
Images: IJF / Tamara Kulumbegashvili
Author: Szandra Szogedi