As always, the high level of European judo in the -70kg category is simply unmatched. In Budapest, six of the eight seeded positions will be taken by the continent, all viable possibilities to become champion, especially the final seed, defending World Champion, Margaux PINOT (FRA).
First let’s address the outside seeded competition. Aoife COUGHLAN (AUS) is a consistently strong competitor and a tough one given her style and also tactical dominance, and last years bronze medallist, TANAKA Shiho (JPN). Both will create problems, but following in her team mates path, Lara CVJEKTO (CRO) is on trajectory to continue the legacy of Olympic Champion, Barbara MATIC, only last month securing the Grand Slam gold in Dushanbe.
However she may be met by Olympic finalist, Miriam BUTKEREIT (GER), and though podium places have evaded her since her career highlight performance in Paris, this is judo and anything can happen, a comeback is always around the corner. That being said, consistency also plays a huge part, and Ai TSUNODA ROUSTANT (ESP) is proof of that. After a dominating period as a young athlete with World titles as a cadet and junior, Tsunoda has worked tirelessly to place herself in the leading pack, and this year took her second Paris Grand Slam title, however, its a senior world medal missing from her collection.
Experience lies with Sanne VAN DIJKE (NED) who took her first senior world medal in Budapest, 2021, but was stalled immediately in the most recent Senior European Championships by newbie in the category, OZBAS Szofi (HUN).
Ozbas lies outside of the seeding going in to this major event, however the European Champion has come in to this category all guns blazing and has certainly found her place at the top quickly. She will be a medal and title hope for the host nation on day five of the event, and possibly an unfortunate early meeting for a seeded player. Meeting her in the final of the European Championships was Elizavet TELTSIDOU (GRE) who frustratingly accepted her second consecutive silver at this level.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen