Japanese juniors destroy European opposition in Herstal

The Japanese junior team impressed with six gold medals at the Adidas International Belgian Open in Herstal. French Cloe Riboulon took the only non-Japanese gold in her category U52kg. The Canadian team finished third with silver medals for Isabelle Harris (-63 kg) and Coralie Godbout (-78 kg).

Fighting in the -63 kg category, Harris won everything by ippon until the final, when she faced Japanese Ura Asumi. “It was a great tournament! I was expecting a good performance from her and she came out strong to win her second international medal,” commented coach Jean-Pierre Cantin at the end of the competition.

Earlier in the day, Harris had won three bouts in the preliminary rounds before winning again, this time against Anetta Mosr, in the semifinal.

Also in -63 kg, Alicia Fiandor ended the preliminary rounds with one victory and two losses. Her tournament ended after she was defeated by Japanese Asumi. She ranked in fifth place.

Godbout Also Eliminated by a Japanese

Just like her teammate, Coralie Godbout (-78 kg) saw her hope for a gold medal stopped by a Japanese athlete. The Quebecoise won three bouts by ippon, but lost twice against Mizuki Hasegawa, once during the gold-medal contest.

“Coralie fought well today (Saturday) and showed great form. She was defeated by a very strong opponent and she can be proud of herself. She’s still young, she’s gaining experience and showing a great progression,” added Cantin.

The only other Canadian woman in action, Alexandria Lefort, couldn’t reach the main draw in -70 kg and had a record of two victories and two losses. Aiko Watanabe, Kanako Hakamata, Asumi Ura, Mami Asahi, Mizuki Hasegawa, Ruri Takahashi won the gold medals. For sure girls that we will see more often in the future.