26 June 2017

CADET EUROPEANS 2017 - ATHLETES' PROFILE

Cadet European Judo Championships 2017 Kaunas

CADET EUROPEANS 2017 - ATHLETES' PROFILE

For the first ever time, as part of the 2017 Judo Festival in Porec, the Olympic Training Camp (OTC) opened the doors for youngsters to practice with elites. This couldn’t be any handier for those who were preparing for the 2017 Cadet European Championships in Kaunas, Lithuania. We were fortunate to be able to have a chat with some of those cadets attended at the Judo Festival and had a chance to experience what is like to train with elites. Have a look at the profile of a few medal potentials for this weekend. #JudoKaunas2017


Sophio SOMKHISHVILI (GEO)

Slider image

Name: Sophio SOMKHISHVILI (GEO) Age: 17-year-old Club: Tbilisi national training centre Region: Tbilisi, Georgia Grade: 1st Dan Started judo: 10-year-old Weight category: +70kg Latest results: Cadet European Cup Teplice 2017 3rd place Cadet European Championships 2016 Vantaa 2nd place – Sören Starke

Slider image

“I think my preparation was very-very good and I feel great. I am looking forward to compete in Kaunas. I am aiming to win both this year, the Cadet Europeans and Worlds. In Europe, I think I don’t have any real difficult opponent, of course it will depend on the day; however, for the Worlds I need to watch out for the Japanese opponent.” – Sören Starke


 Mariam TCHANTURIA (GEO)

Slider image

Name: Mariam TCHANTURIA (GEO) Age: 17-year-old Club: Tbilisi national training centre Region: Tbilisi, Georgia Grade: 1st Dan Started judo: 10-year-old Weight category: -63kg Latest results: Cadet European Cup Teplice 2017 1st place Cadet European Cup Antalya 3rd place Cadet European Championships 2015 Sofia 3rd place – Sören Starke

Slider image

“I feel good for Kaunas. I am certainly aiming and wanting to become Cadet European Champion this year, although I know it won’t be easy. I have one opponent who I think I will need to be extremely focused and that is Anja Obradovic of Serbia. We are not only motivated for our individual achievements but also aiming to make history by winning the first female Georgian Team European Championships medal.” – Sören Starke


Helena VUKOVIC (CRO)

Slider image

Name: Helena VUKOVIC (CRO) Age: 16-year-old Club: Judo Klub Profectus Samobor Region: Zagreb, Croatia Grade: 1st Dan Started judo: 6-year-old Weight category: +70kg Latest results: Cadet European Cup 2017 Zagreb 1st place Cadet European Cup 2017 Fuengirola 1st place Cadet European Cup 2017 Follonica 1st place Cadet European Championships 2016 Vantaa 3rd place – Sören Starke

Slider image

“I have no pressure at all for Kaunas, all we are aiming for is to do good fights and to do well, at my very best. Exactly the same for the Cadet Worlds later on this year.” – Sören Starke


Kazbek NAGUCHEV (RUS)

Slider image

Name: Kazbek NAGUCHEV (RUS) Age: 17-yar-old Club: City Judo Club Tuapse Region: Krasnodar Krai, Russia Grade: 1st Kyu Started judo: 6-year-old Weight category: -60kg Latest results: Cadet European Cup 2017 Berlin 1st place Cadet European Cup 2017 Tula 1st place Cadet European Cup 2017 Follonica 1st place Cadet European Championships 2016 Vantaa 3rd place Cadet World Championships Sarajevo 2015 3rd place – Sören Starke

Slider image

“I won bronze last year at the Cadet Europeans and for this year I don’t accept less than the gold from myself. I am very determined and not only want to win the Europeans but also the World Championships. For my most dangerous opponent, I would say it is Aliyev Ibrahim of Azerbaijan.” – Sören Starke


Glafira BORISOVA (RUS) 

Slider image

Name: Glafira BORISOVA (RUS) Age: 15-year-old Club: City Judo Club Balakovo Region: Saratov Oblast, Russia Grade: 1st Kyu Started judo: 9-year-old Weight category:-40kg Latest results: Cadet European Cup 2017 Bielsko Biala 2nd place Cadet European Cup 2017 Tula 1st place Cadet European Cup 2017 Follonica 1st place – Sören Starke

Slider image

Cadet girls head coach, Irina Rodina (left):“Glafira trains very hard and she always wants to work more, she does everything what she needs to in order to win; which she can certainly do in Kaunas, however, even winning a medal will be a big stepping stone for her.” – Sören Starke

Slider image

Hopeful talent – Glafira BORISOVA – Sören Starke


Judoka