The -52kg category on day one of the Junior European Judo Championships 2025 brought no shortage of surprises. Junior world bronze medallist 2024, Alyssia Poulange (FRA), was expected to shine but her campaign ended abruptly in the quarter-finals when Szabó Réka (HUN) produced a stunning performance. Fuelled by confidence and determination, the Hungarian rode the wave of that victory all the way to the podium, claiming bronze with grit and style. Joining her was Bojana Savic (SRB), who toppled several favourites along the way, including number two seed Tabea Nika Mecklenburg (GER). Both bronzes were hard-fought and well deserved.
Then came the gold medal showdown, an all-Italian affair. Ilaria Finestrone and Gaia Stella, best friends turned rivals for the day, stepped onto the tatami with pride and nerves in equal measure. Finestrone appeared to have snatched a yuko but after review it was waved off. That set the stage for golden score, where Stella seized her moment. With a lightning tai-otoshi, she threw her friend and training companion for a decisive finish.
For most, this might have been bittersweet. For these two, it was pure joy. “We would not have it any other way,” they said in unison, laughing like sisters. Finestrone admitted: “She [Stella] always wins against me, so it was no news… but I still love her.”
Despite training in different corners of Italy, Stella in Rome and Finestrone in Puglia, their bond is unshakeable, strengthened at every camp and competition. Both draw constant inspiration from Odette Giuffrida, their role model not only for her Olympic medals but also for her kindness. “Odette is not only a great role model because she’s a champion in our weight category but because she’s a truly great person.” Their distant idol? Japan’s Abe Uta.
With medals around their necks and fire in their hearts, Stella and Finestrone left the podium with one shared ambition: to repeat this final at the Junior World Championships in four weeks time.
Author: Szandra Szogedi