What a line up there is for the -100kg men. There are some major head to heads, Olympic, World, European finals could be on the cards and it will all start with the current Olympic Champion who is also defending his 2024 World title, Zelym KOTSOIEV (AZE). Of course he was one of two who gave a lifetime performance, both in Abu Dhabi and in Paris, setting Azerbaijan as one of the strongholds.
However, everyone is looking forward to a potential rematch with the now European Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Ilia SULAMANIDZE (GEO) and it looks set to be a rivalry of the ages. It was a big task to pick himself up after the Olympic final error, but he returned with a mission to become the European Champion and ticked it off the list, next, World.
The IJF athletes are doubled up in this category, first up is Matvey KANIKOVSKIY. One of the interesting characters in this category, Kanikovskiy is stoic and never lets his emotions get the better of him, which has probably led him to his 13-medal streak including Grand Slams and a senior European title. Paired with him is slightly more senior team mate, Arman ADAMIAN who in the past year has regained his momentum, seeing him on three consecutive Grand Slam podiums, his extreme strength is something noted by his rivals.
It’s an equal split in the seeding, Europe versus the rest of the world! A developing talent from Japan, ARAI Dora is one of those, but he was forced to settle for bronze in last years edition of the world championships, losing out to eventual silver medallist, Shady ELNAHAS (CAN) in the quarter final, then finding the strength to battle through the repechage against Dzhakongir MADZHIDOV (TJK) and Jorge FONSECA (POR).
Leonardo GONCALVES (BRA) and Dzhafar KOSTOEV (UAE) have earned the last two seeding positions, but as we all know, seeding isn’t anything and the outsiders are coming. Immediately we’re met with a three-strong line up of Daniel EICH (SUI) who have Arai a run for his money in the Qazaqstan Grand Slam final, Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI (ESP) who took his last world title in Budapest but in the -90kg category, last year he fought through for his first in the -100kg category, a bronze. Gennaro PIRELLI (ITA) is next up, the two-time European medallist is one of the more anticipated athletes, an obscenely difficult opponent and one who will certainly be remembered for his great offence against Teddy RINER (FRA) during the Olympic Games.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen