In the women’s -63kg category, top seed Joni Geilen (NED) walked onto the tatami as the favourite but in a stunning upset she was sent packing by Slovenia’s Neža Mešiček. The Slovenian’s fierce determination carried her all the way into the bronze medal contest, but the fairytale run ended there. Doria Boursas (FRA) denied her the podium with sharp, clinical judo that left Mešiček without answers.
While the top half of the draw produced shocks, one woman at the bottom looked unshakable: Savita Russo (ITA). The Paris 2024 Olympian strolled through her early rounds with authority, every contest a statement of intent. Each exchange showed her class, her Olympic-honed composure, and by the time she stepped into the final, the Italian looked untouchable.
Across from her stood Sara-Joy Bauer (GER), last year’s junior European Champion, eager to defend her crown. The atmosphere tightened, the crowd sensing a clash of two high classes, but Russo wasted no time: midway, a precise attack earned her a waza-ari, and moments later she sealed the deal in osae-komi-waza. Bauer, so dominant last year, was left with silver, while Russo stood tall as the new champion.
Her reaction was raw and honest:
“I feel very good, very satisfied, especially because it’s my last junior event. Winning today makes me happy, and it gives me an extra push for the future competitions. Of course, I have been to the Olympics, but I treated this as any other competition, no underestimating, no extra anxiety, just doing my judo. The difference between junior and senior is big; at senior level, experience counts a lot more. For me, today was important because I had fun, and because I’m happy.”
The second bronze medal of the category went to Kerem Primo (ISR) after one of the day’s most gripping battles. Her opponent, Jelena Nišavić (SRB), exploded out of the blocks, taking the lead within the opening minute and a half. Still, Primo never panicked. Patient, calculating, she waited for the perfect opening. Then, like lightning, she launched a morote-seoi-nage, dragging herself level. With momentum on her side, Primo pressed forward and finished the contest in spectacular fashion with an uchi-mata. The Serbian had no way back, and Primo secured her place on the podium with a roar of triumph.
The -63kg category had it all: shocks, comebacks, and a new champion who carried the poise of an Olympian yet celebrated like it was her very first gold.
Author: Szandra Szogedi