The opening day of the U23 European Judo Championships had it all amongst the women’s division too. Breathtaking throws, emotional triumphs, and moments destined for the history books. Europe’s female rising stars battled fiercely for glory, demonstrating the power, precision, and pride that define this championship. Let’s take a look at how the final block unfolded.
Eight Seconds
It took precisely eight seconds for Szeleczki Szabina (HUN) to seize the -48kg title against Zuzanna Wozniak (POL). The decisive moment came from a stunning ashi-waza, leaving the Hungarian in disbelief as she held her head in her hands, overwhelmed by emotion.
At just 20 years old, and still a junior, Szeleczki had already made an impression earlier this year with her stellar performance at the Senior World Championships on home soil. Although her junior season hadn’t gone entirely to plan, today was a day of redemption. Hungary has long been known for producing champions at this level, and Szeleczki added yet another chapter to that legacy.
Italy entered the bronze medal contests with the potential for a double. Elena Guarducci (ITA) fell short against Zilan Ertem (TUR) but Giulia Chiglione (ITA) secured Italy’s first bronze medal of the day.
“This is for My Mother”
The -52kg final between Nikolina Nisavic (SRB) and Pauline Cuq (FRA) was a tactical contest. Both judoka exchanged scoring attempts early on but it was Cuq who edged ahead with a sharp seoi-nage for yuko. Nisavic pressed hard with her signature harai-goshi, harai-maki-komi and o-uchi-gari, yet couldn’t break through Cuq’s defence and had to settle for silver.
Cuq’s victory marked France’s first U23 European gold in this category since 2004, when Caroline Lantoine stood atop the podium.
The 21-year-old French judoka was beaming afterwards:
“I’m really, really happy because last year was very difficult for me. It was my first year as a senior, and the even a European Cup was tough. The U23 Championships mean a lot because they helped me find my rhythm again, I feel like I’m back at my top level, and this is just the beginning.
“For me, this medal marks the start of a new era. I have tried to focus on my training and rebuild my confidence, and it’s paying off. Being coached by an Olympic medallist like Automne is amazing, when she speaks, you listen. It sticks to you.
“I want to dedicate this medal to my mother. She has always been there for me, supporting me from France, working so hard, and believing in me every step of the way. This is for her.”
The bronze medal contest between Léa Beres (FRA) and Bojana Savic (SRB) turned into a marathon. After ten gruelling minutes of golden score, Beres finally clinched victory. The second bronze went to Alessandra Rocco (ITA).
Forza Italia
The -57kg final between Giulia Carna (ITA) and Alya De Carvalho (FRA) was a tactical duel that stretched into golden score. Both judoka were evenly matched but with two penalties already against her, De Carvalho was under pressure. Just over a minute into extra time, Carna struck with a perfectly timed reverse seoi-nage, scoring yuko and celebrating with sheer joy in Chişinău. Italy reaffirmed its dominance, remaining a force to be reckoned with as the team finished second in the day’s medal standings.
In the bronze medal contests, Nino Loladze (GEO), last year’s silver medallist, overcame Shezhana Gramatikova (BUL), while Varvara Kuchar (LTU) secured the second bronze.
Making History for Finland
The -63kg final carried extra anticipation, as Louna-Lumia Seikkula (FIN) aimed to make history for Finland. Facing Julie Falgon (FRA), both judoka maintained a fierce tempo, but neither could score through the opening minutes. Then, with just over three seconds remaining, Seikkula executed a beautiful o-uchi-gari–ko-uchi-gari combination for yuko. Thirty seconds later, time expired, and history was made.
Seikkula became the first Finnish judoka ever to win an U23 European title, a defining moment for both her and her nation.
Earlier, Türkiye had guaranteed a medal in an all-Turkish bronze contest, with Sinem Oruc (TUR) prevailing over Ozlem Yildiz (TUR). Kriza Anna (HUN) also added to Hungary’s tally with victory over Nina Simic (CRO).
At the end of an exhilarating opening day, France topped the medal table with 1 gold, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze. Italy followed closely with 1 gold and 4 bronzes, while Hungary sat in third place with 1 gold and 1 bronze.
The second day of competition will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time, don’t miss a single moment! Follow all the action live at judotv.com.
Author: Szandra Szogedi