The home crowd inside the hall in La Nucía/Benidorm had been waiting patiently for their moment and on the second day of the La Nucía/Benidorm European Open 2026, it finally arrived.
Mireia Rodriguez Salvador delivered the breakthrough Spain had been hoping for, claiming gold in the -48 kg category and ensuring the Spanish national anthem echoed around the arena before the weekend concluded. It was an emotional victory for the host nation, who also added further bronze medals on the final day to round off a memorable home event.
Despite Spain’s celebrations, the overall tournament belonged to Germany. The German team finished on top of the medal table with an impressive haul of three gold, two silver and four bronze medals, finishing ahead of the Netherlands and France after two intense days of competition on the Costa Blanca.
One of the standout moments of the weekend came in the -90 kg category, where Olympic silver medallist Eduard Trippel reminded everyone exactly why he remains one of the division’s biggest names. Competing for the first time since the 2025 Senior World Championships, Trippel made an immediate statement on his return, controlling the category with authority.
There were also breakthrough performances elsewhere. Twenty-three-year-old Tereza Bodnarova produced one of the surprises of the event by capturing gold in the -52 kg category, underlining the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of the European Open circuit.
Naturally, much of the focus remained on the Spanish team throughout the weekend, particularly during the Golden Score show, where bronze medallist Carla Ubasart Mascaro reflected on her ambitions after fighting through the stacked -57 kg category.
“I’m totally prepared. If they give me the chance to fight to try and qualify to the Olympics, I will give absolutely everything. Every competition is another opportunity to prove myself, and I carry with me the support of my coaches, my team, my family and my friends every time I step on the tatami. They have been part of this journey from the very beginning, through every sacrifice, every challenge and every medal. Whatever comes next, I am ready to give one hundred percent.”
The loudest celebration of all, however, belonged to Rodriguez Salvador, whose first European Open gold medal came in the perfect setting: close to home, surrounded by family and friends, and under the pressure of delivering Spain’s first title of the tournament.
“Winning my first gold medal in front of a home crowd is something I will never forget. Of course there was pressure, especially knowing Spain had not yet won a gold medal but I tried to turn those nerves into energy on the tatami. I prepared for this competition all year because it meant so much to me, to the federation, and to everyone supporting me. My home is close to here, so having my family and friends in the arena made it even more emotional. Los Angeles 2028 is my dream and even though I know the road is difficult, I am ready to fight for it. Tonight, though, it’s time to celebrate with the people who have always been beside me.”
From established Olympic medallists returning to action to young athletes announcing themselves on the international stage, the weekend delivered exactly what European judo thrives on: emotion, opportunity and unforgettable moments.
Now, onto the next challenge: the Benidorm Olympic Training Camp begins today with nearly 1,000 participants.
Author: EJU Media