Taking the European Youth Olympic Festival gold medal wasn’t an unrealistic goal for Fenne PEETERS (BEL) on day one of the event, so even when the -40kg gold was won, she was gracious in her accomplishments.
It hadn’t been the easiest day and the final contest was action packed, with a waza ari score going against her before being reviewed! Speaking with the gold medallist she simply said,
I felt that when I threw with uchi mata that it was my score, so for me it was my win.
This was in fact the first time she had competed against Yagmur YILMAZTURK of Türkiye, who was the silver medallist in the Cadet European Championships last month. Yilmazturk was eager to swap the second for first place and committed to the most incredible counter, over spinning from an uchi mata attack from Peeters and was originally awarded a waza ari score. Following the movement, the commission reviewed and the score was transferred to Peeters, the landing coming from her initial technique.
So what does it feel like to hear the national anthem play for you and to walk away with the gold medal?
I’m very very happy, I know I train so hard so it’s a nice medal. I’m very proud, I know that my family and coaches are so proud of me and are happy that I can leave with gold. I want to say thank you to my coaches and my family for their support.
Admittedly, Peeters looked comfortable and prepared, and for good reason,
Yes of course I felt good today, the bronze medal at Cadet Europeans gave me the confidence to come here and actually it was easier to come and compete here because it’s the same arena and I had a good feeling.
Already based on her international results, Peeters has had a busy year, but looking deeper she achieving double what most of the athletes on tour are as she claimed national cadet titles in both Belgium, and the Netherlands. As it turns out, Peeters has dual nationality so can test her abilities in another very strong judo nation. So does she know which way she will go?
Belgian for sure, I have always fought for them and I will stay here further.
Based on her recent performances, they would certainly be very sad to see her go! Following her gold medal and an -44kg bronze from Viktoria GRIGORYAN, Belgium are second in the standings at the end of day one.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen