Estonia can boast of two athletes in the final block of the World Championships 2025, Klen Kristofer KALJULAID in the -90kg category and on the final day, Emma-Melis AKTAS in the +78kg. Incredibly, young Aktas only just took a Cadet World bronze medal in 2024 and today fought the world ranked number one for the bronze medal. It seems like such a huge jump and turn around for the now-junior athlete but she went toe to toe with the best, and they felt it.
How was it walking out in to a final block of the Senior World Judo Championships?
It was an amazing feeling at first but then the adrenaline really started going up! It was really fun to get to fight the world number one, Romane Dicko, I didn’t win this time but next time I will try to do better!
As a first year junior and having her first experience at a senior World Championships, what were Aktas’ expectations for the day?
My milestone I wanted to hit was 7th place at the World Championships, so as soon as I was there I was really happy, but of course, it then just made me want more!
It wasn’t such an easy first time out, but she wasn’t entirely unprepared either. With camps occurring across Europe this year, Aktas was also present in Benidorm, Spain which was attended by many who were preparing for this major event.
The training camps they help a lot, so when I get to fight the best in the world, I understood it isn’t that big of a difference. Just give me a little bit more time and I’ll beat them all.
We love the confidence and the determination, can’t wait to see you next time!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen