The Grand Prix in Mexico is back. The IJF World Tour continues its Pan American swing with Guadalajara set to host the next stage after an exciting weekend in Lima. Mexico has a proud judo tradition, having staged major events such as the 2016 IJF Masters, the 2011 Pan American Games, and the Pan American Championships in both 2011 and 2021. More recently, Cancun hosted the last two Mexican Grand Prix events in 2017 and 2018, and now the action returns to a country that has long been part of the judo landscape.
The double stop in Lima and Guadalajara brings together a fascinating mix of athletes. World number one Lara Cvjetko will lead the line-up in the -70kg category, while a powerful men’s team from Azerbaijan, featuring Olympic champions Heydarov and Kotsoiev, will again be among the favourites. European athletes dominated in Lima, collecting 37 medals and 8 golds from 7 different nations. Only Israel celebrated two victories, setting a high bar for Guadalajara.
This week offers athletes another opportunity to gain valuable ranking points or test their form. Slovenia’s Metka Lobnik, who took gold in the -78kg category in Lima, will attempt a rare Pan American double, as will Israel’s winners Izhak Ashpiz and Raz Hershko, both eager for back-to-back triumphs.
Lukáš Krpálek also continues his impressive run. After his victory in Lima, the double Olympic champion looks in excellent shape ahead of his return to Japan for the Tokyo Grand Slam. A medal in Guadalajara would take him to an incredible 46 World Cup-level podium finishes, placing him second on the all-time list behind Spain’s Isabel Fernández (54). With 19 victories already to his name, Krpálek is again among the ones to watch. He also has fond memories of Mexico, having won the Cancun Grand Prix back in 2018.
Sweden’s Ida Eriksson, who claimed her first Grand Prix gold in Lima, will aim to continue her momentum in a very competitive -70kg field. Meanwhile, large delegations from Mexico (32), the USA (25), and Brazil (22) underline the strength of the Americas, with Israel also sending a powerful 17-strong squad. Spain enters 16 judoka, while Italy fields 14. Belgium’s team includes Olympic medallist Gabriella Willems, who returns to the Tour with clear ambition.
The Grand Prix in Guadalajara takes place between 17-19 October. Follow all the action live on JudoTV.com, your front-row seat to another week of top-level judo.
Author: Hans Van Essen