Thea Cowen

On the third and final day, two more gold medals were earned by IJF representing athletes, totalling five over the course of the tournament, and behind them, the Netherlands and France. Adding success to the aforementioned in the -90kg category were eventual gold medallist, Mansur LORSANOV (IJF) and Jesper SMINK (NED). The latter gave a blinding performance in the Prague…

Zanet MICHAELIDOU of Cyprus can celebrate, not only her first medal as a senior athlete, but her accomplishment came in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam event. In turn, this marks a historic moment for Cyprus, their first Grand Slam medal as a nation. It was an emotional conclusion for 20 year-old Michaelidou who defeated Raffaela IGL (GER) for the -78kg bronze…

Day two of the Sarajevo European Open 2024 saw the lightweight women and heavyweight men decide the finals medals, and determine the outcome of the medal table. Within the last three weight categories, it was flipping between nations, but in the end it was Team Slovenia who secured the top spot with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.…

Wellbeing is the theme of World Judo Day 2024 and forces each individual to really consider, what is that we do to ensure we are healthy, physically and emotionally well? What brings you happiness? In recent years it has become less of a taboo subject, to discuss ones mental health and the impact it can have on an individual. World…

After a fulfilling life, Dennis Penfold, 8th Dan, EJU and IJF Kata Judge has unfortunately passed away. Aged 93, Dennis had taken part in his beloved judo for 76 years, starting in 1948. Hailing from Fort Purbrook Judo Club, Portsmouth, he continued coaching up until very recently, his love for Kata being passed on to the young generations. Both Dennis…

The home of the ancient gladiators, Rome, will be hosting this weekends European Open on the 9th and 10th of November, 2024. With 248 athletes from 32 nations travelling to Italy, it is already looking to be a busy time, but there are some big names in the line up, returning in multiple ways. At the top of the ranking…

Following the announcement of the passing of former German National Coach, Norbert Littkopf, it is of course with our pleasure that we share with the judo community, that an open memorial will be held for Norbert next month. On the 13th of December, his memorial will be held at 15:00 in the North Lecture Hall of the Faculty of Sports…

Catching up with the 2016 Olympic Champion, Fabio BASILE of Italy, is always a special occasion, and this time it is in Rome during the 2024 European Open. It has been some time since we saw Basile on the competition tatami, but all for good reason. Many may have seen on his social media accounts, but let’s hear it first…

It was a tough start to the final block on day two of the Rome European Open 2024, with an all-Georgian final in the -81kg category between Vladimir AKHALKATSI and Irakli BEROSHVILI. It started as a cagey contest, both aware of the others abilities, but it was Beroshvili that truly committed, his timing and placement was perfect, a huge koshi…

The U23 European Judo Championships in Pila, Poland, will provide a critical platform for emerging judo talents to transition onto the senior tour. Many young judokas, including recent Cadet and Junior champions, are set to compete, showcasing the depth of talent moving into higher competition levels. Notable competitors across weight categories include Olympic, World, and European titleholders, adding both high stakes and visibility to the event.