For Michela Terranova (ITA), the -57kg top seed in Bratislava, today wasn’t simply about living up to the draw. It was about proving that a year of sacrifice, travel, and endless training could finally be transformed into gold.
Last year’s bronze medallist refused to settle for the same again. She left her family, her friends, and her comfort zone behind, chasing improvement across camps in Valencia, Graz, Rome, and beyond. Every morning run, every flight taken, every training session was fuel for this moment…, and on the first day of the junior Europeans 2025, she got her reward.
The road wasn’t smooth. Her final opponent, Emma Melis (FRA), had beaten her in their last meeting, and the shadow of that loss hung heavy as they entered golden score. Still, Terranova, with fire in her eyes, seized her chance. From Melis’ pressure came the perfect sumi-gaeshi, landing her rival for waza-ari. The moment Terranova landed the throw, her face was a mix of shock, relief, and pure release. It was a frame worth freezing forever.
After the medal ceremony, through a flood of tears shared with parents and coaches, Terranova found a few words:
“ I don’t have words for this competition. I am very happy. Thank you to all. A year of sacrifice, a year of work together, staying outside home, around the world… This medal is for you,” she said, turning to her coach.
She spoke of her club, Carabinieri, with pride, describing them as her “squad.” This gold medal also represents that Terranova is ready to step into the senior stage.
“I wanted to win to show I’m ready for the next step, and today, I did it.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi