Day one of the Genova Millennium Cadet European Cup 2025 didn’t go how the hosts, Italy, would have liked, though collecting silver and bronze medals, the golds had evaded them. However their luck changed on day two, as two of their young men stood on top of the podium to hear the national anthem.
First to bring glory to Italy was Francesco MAZZON in the -90kg category, who took out the top seed, Marius SUNDBY (NOR) in his quarter. Mazzon managed to avoid any national head to heads, but instead took on two members of the Spanish team to make it to the gold medal.
It was an amazing day! Since the morning, I felt at my best, 100% ready. Competing in Genova was incredible, especially because I was at home, on Italian soil. The final was undoubtedly the most exciting moment, as it was my first final in a European Cup. This medal means a lot to me because it represents the result of hard training and sacrifice. After finishing the Training Camp here in Genova, my goal is to get back to the gym and train to prepare myself in the best way possible for the upcoming European Cups and the Italian Championships.
Gianluca PICCHI in the +90kg category was next to claim a sensational win for Team Italy. It was a tough day but he managed to succeed over the number one seed, Nikola LUBURA (BIH).
It was a fantastic day because I took my first gold medal in European Cup. I work a lot for this result but I still want more. It was good in Genova, but when I go on to the mat, it’s not important where I am. The most difficult match was the final because I lost two times with Lobura but I know that I could have won. This medal for me means happiness and sacrifice. I train a lot, I study and work, my days are busy but when I took this medal, it made everything clear.
In addition to the success of Italy, Cadet World Champion, Lucie RULLIER (FRA) took the gold medal in the -70kg category.
My day went well with a victory at stake. The competition as a whole was good, I found it well organized. The most exciting fight was the final, I was led by a yuko but I was able to bounce back and put waza ari in the last seconds of the fight. I thought I was going to lose but everything ended well for me. This medal means a lot of joy and opens my international medal counter for 2025. My next goals are to become French champion in order to be able to participate in the European and World Championships where I hope to reach the highest step of the podium.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen