The clock is ticking, in less than 48 hours, the Millennium Team European Judo Championships Cadets 2025 will officially get underway in Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia. Delegations have begun arriving, bringing with them a new generation of judoka eager to seize continental glory.
Amongst the standout names is Lucie Rullier (FRA), cadet world champion of 2024, who holds the distinction of being the sole world #1 across the girls’ divisions. Competing in the -70kg category, Rullier has enjoyed a remarkable season, triumphing at two out of three cadet cups this year. She will face stiff competition, however, with three formidable rivals ranked inside the world’s top eight: Giorgia Grassy (ITA), Keti Robakidze (GEO) and Roksana Zys (POL), each determined to challenge for the top spot on the podium.
Several other high-ranked judoka are poised to make their mark. World #2 Barbara Twarowska (POL/-48kg), a 2024 cadet world bronze and European silver medallist; Valeriia Kozlova (IJF/-52kg), 2024 cadet European champion; and Emma Feuillet-Nguimgo (FRA/+70kg), a nine-time cadet European Cup medallist, will all be looking to convert their rankings into gold.
The excitement continues with two world #3 who have already proven their mettle on the world stage. Maya Toszegi (GER/-57kg), cadet world bronze medallist in 2023 and cadet European champion of 2024, comes to Skopje with an additional accolade under her belt, the EJU Fair Play Award of 2024. Meanwhile, Sandra Walendzik (POL/-44kg), who claimed cadet world bronze in 2024, will be equally determined to climb to the top of the podium.
Beyond the top-ranked contenders, several other names demand attention. Spain’s Monica Martinez De Rituerto Morillas (-52kg), 2024 cadet European silver medallist, and Sofia Zakharova (IJF/-48kg), 2024 cadet European bronze medallist, both possess the credentials to upset the formbook.
The host nation, North Macedonia, will proudly field eight promising athletes, eager to capitalise on home advantage and deliver strong performances. As always in cadet judo, expect the unexpected, the fearlessness and creativity of these young athletes promise explosive contests, filled with dynamic throws and positive, score-driven judo.
Join us live on judoTV.com and stay connected behind the scenes via social media @europeanjudo as the next generation of champions take centre stage in Skopje!
Author: Szandra Szogedi