Unique distribution of gold medals at European Cadet Championships

A unique record today at the Cadet European Championships. Never it occurred that all gold medals were captured by eight different nations after the first day. At a normal day over three matchdays 5 or 6 weight categories are held. This edition even 8 as on Sunday the team event takes places. Nonetheless eight different winners for the first time in history.

Despite the golden distribution, it was Russia that won most of the medals. Out of 41 nations Russia won 5 medals, Georgia followed with 4 and for the second time in history by a young woman. Mzia Beboshvili won the category for women U52kg.

Two years ago Azerbaijan won the second ever gold medal for a woman in the history. The first in 2003, then in 2013 and today Shahana Hajyeva won gold U44kg. She defeated Lidia Marin (ROU).

Ukraine won a gold medal U44 by Daria Bilodid, the seventh Ukrainian in history and 6 out of the seven in the lighter weight categories. Anastasiya Turchyn was the only heavyweight to become European Cadet Champion for the Ukraine.

Slovenia cheered again for the Stangar family. Almost each year one of the two girls win a bronze medal, but this edition in Sofia they Marusa Stangar won the jackpot, gold U48kg. It was the fourth medal for the sisters since 2011.

Speaking about cheering, the home nation cheered not only for the quality of the event but for the the fourth European title for Cadets ever. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 Bulgaria had a champion each year in Ivaylo Ivanov, Borislava Damyanova and Betina Temelkova. Today it was Denislav Ivanov who won the category U55kg. In the final he defeated Alon Aharon of Israel, coached by four time European Senior Champion Ariel Zeevi. Also other former athletes are now coaching the youngsters which is a good development; for instance 2012 Olympic Champion Lucie Decosse (FRA), 2008 Olympic Champion Irakli Tsirekidze of Georgia, four times European medallist Sophie Cox (GBR) and and European Champion Joao Pina (POR).

Russia’s Rustam Zabolotnyi won his second back to back victory in the same weight category, an extraordinary performance for the lightweight U50kg.

U60kg Manuel Lombardo dominated his category with the best judo, in the final he defeated Akhmed Bogatyrev of Russia. Traditionally Turkey wins a gold medal, but most over by the women, this time Bilal Ciloglu bested Mathias Czizsek of Austria. The Austrians were close to the third ever European title with two finallists, both lost, but it’s a good sign for the future. The last Austrian champion was Kathrin Unterwurzacher, the current world number four U63kg.

Who of these new champions will take this level to the seniors? It took Clarisse Agbegnenou 6 years, and 2008 Olympic Champion Elnur Mammadli (AZE) just 4 years to take the holy grail in judo, Ilias Iliadis owns the crown with just two years difference between the European Cadet title (2002) and the Olympic title in 20004.