Today, the “Gospino Polje” sports hall was reserved for judoka of all upper weight categories. The home team had as many as six representatives in the final block, of which, five Croatian athletes managed clamp a podium spot each. Consequently, bronze medals were won by Dominik DRUŽETA, Anđela VIOLIĆ, Nika JAKUŠ, Lorena PERKOVIĆ and Marćelina VRANJEŠ.
Družeta, who happened to be the only Croatian male representative left for the afternoon, defeated the Vladimir STARK (GER) in a golden score during the bronze medal contest of the -81kg category. He is seemingly happy with today’s happening;
Bronze medal, I’m very satisfied, great tournament, six fights. Even though I didn’t manage to catch the rhythm all day, I was missing something to make it 100%, but I managed to pull it off strong, solid, I didn’t give up in the fight. There was no surrender, so I am very satisfied. I think this is the best indicator that I am improving and that I can expect a very good performance from myself at the European Championship. I believe that I can win a medal, now we will see how it will be.
In the -70kg category Croatia doubled their chances during the final block with Anđela Violić celebrating against Maya KOGAN (ISR) whilst Karla KULIĆ (JK “Pujanke” – Split) stayed within reach of the medal via a win against Dagmar VAN WONDEREN (NED).
At the end of the day, I’m very satisfied with the judo I showed and the throws I made in every fight. I think that every fight was different and especially difficult. At the end of the day, third place in your city couldn’t be better. I always say that it is more difficult for me to fight in front of the home crowd, I create some unnecessary pressure for myself, but then again, when I win a medal, there is nothing better than winning it right at home.
concluded the 24-year-old, Violić.
Two more host competitors appeared in the -78kg category, reaching a bronze finish each. Nika Jakuš bettered Anna DYBA (POL) and Lorena Perković overcome Rachel TYLER (GBR).
Super! Honestly, I didn’t have any high expectations, I just wanted to fight well and show what I’ve been doing in training. I showed everything, the coaches are satisfied – Jakuš began.
I am very satisfied with the result that I expected. I am happy that everything ended as it should have – added Perković.
Lastly, Vranješ defeated Anastasija BOGDANOVIĆ (SRB) during their bronze bout in the +78kg category after a little more than a minute into clear contest time. Satisfaction is the conclusion of Vranješ
I can’t say that I’m disappointed that I won bronze, I’m happy, but I’m not satisfied with how I performed in the quarterfinals, I think I could have been in the finals. I am satisfied that I drew a medal at the end of the day. Honestly, I thought I could be the first, I know I can be the first, the circumstances are like that today. Satisfied that after the fall I managed to get up and continue.
The 10th anniversary of the European Cup in Dubrovnik had a record number of competitors and with that, the organisers could not have wished for a better celebration. Yet, the overall standings shows the German team as the best of the weekend with three gold, three silver and six bronze medals. Second place finish goes for the Dutch team with three golds, two silvers and four bronzes. Slovenia finished a step below with two golds and three bronzes.
There is no pause for the Croatian Judo Federation as they have a little less than 20 days left until the biggest competition of the year. From April 25 to 28, the elite of the old continent will arrive in the capital for the European Championship. See you in Zagreb!
Author: Mario Krvavac