Lombardo’s team mate and friend, Olympic silver Medallist Odette Giuffrida, took the time to sit with us and offer her thoughts on the technical aspects of the day.
“I would like to say that I really like to see unexpected things and there were many strong moments from countries we don’t always expect to win. Iraoui of Morocco was so good, surprising Chitu (ROU) in the first round of the -52kg women’s group. It was a really good fight. Many African nations brought strong athletes who seem to be getting closer and closer to the right level. As the level increases globally we are all pushed to work harder and that, in turn, makes the top level even higher. It’s a good thing! In my category, -52kg, I am really seeing that every tournament offers a new ceiling and it pushes us all to improve. We all have to do better if we want to keep winning. One thing that did stand out was the strength of the Japanese women’s ne-waza. Others need to catch up.
At -66kg my eyes were only for my team mate and we want to see him make history, with no past world champions from the Italian men’s team.”
Odette did not fight in Budapest and when asked why, she was very clear. “I grew up with the -63kg player, Maria and she came with me to Rio to be my training partner. Now here, she is nearly qualified and it’s important for her so I came to support her and the whole team. There is real team spirit with us; this group is very close, like family. We live in the same Olympic centre together and this crazy year has made us even closer still. I hope Manuel has felt the support throughout the day.
Although I am watching my own team, I also love to watch good Judo and in the -66kg weight I liked the fight between Flicker (ISR) and Maruyama (JPN). Flicker showed great spirit. I like to watch people who are not afraid and who can face any challenge with their head up. It’s good to see judoka who are not afraid of the result but apply their best judo, no matter what. He lost but I saw the right attitude.
I was surprised to see Zantaraia go out but he was away from competition for a long time and most players have now had the chance to regain their level after the break. That gap was clear today.
Not everyone can be on top form for both the Worlds and the Olympics and some teams have brought a second player here, separately from the Olympic selection. It will be interesting to see those competing at both as it is very hard to peak twice so close together. Whoever came here on top form is unlikely to be at their best at the Olympics too.”
The ne-waza of some really did shine through day 3, as ably demonstrated by Shishime Ai (JPN) as she held Perez Box (ESP) for ippon in the -52kg final. As Giuffrida notes, to the be best in the world, a significant catalogue of ne-waza skills is necessary and for many this is still missing.
Day 3 will begin again at 10am, local time. Tune in tomorrow for the -57kg category and the showdown between Canada’s two powerhouses, while also keeping an eye on home ground hero Miklos Ungvari.