In the first contest for a bronze medal, Maria Hanstede (NED) and Julie Hoelterhoff (GER) stepped on to the tatami. The German judoka went straight for the big win, falling a little short but earning herself a yuko for a direct throw in the first exchange. From that point, the fight slowed somewhat. Hoelterhoff did throw again, an uchi-mata for another yuko with 48 seconds to go and from that point even Hanstede knew it was all over. At 27 and after 8 World Judo Tour events, Julie Hoelterhoff finally had her first medal.
Dandara Camilo (BRA) or Metka Lobnik (SLO) would win the second bronze medal. Lobnik was seeded at the beginning of the day and should expect to win the prize but unseeded Camilo fought superbly in the morning session and should not be discounted, least of all by her opponent.
Both athletes fought with a plan, with power and with intention but for the first 2 and a half minutes neither could break through the other’s defence. Camilo was stronger in ne-waza and came close to finding submissions on more the one occasion but close is not a success. Camilo was therefore frustrated when Lobnik forced her own positive situation on the ground just after the start of the golden score period, holding Camilo for the 5 seconds needed to register a yuko on the scoreboard. Camilo left disappointed while Lobnik was elated.
The final was bound to be an exciting clash. World bronze medallist Emma Reid (GBR) and 2024 Tbilisi Grand Slam winner Yuliia Kurchenko (UKR) took to the mat with gold in their sights. Deep grips, big attacks and positive transition came from the first ‘hajime’ but in the end a weaker attack from Reid cost her dearly; Kurchenko countered for ippon. The gold medal would be heading to Ukraine, a silver for Reid of Great Britain.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
