Lukas Krpálek (CZE) reminded everyone why he’s a living judo legend. In the +100kg category, the double Olympic Champion proved that class is permanent, capturing his 7th career Grand Prix Gold Medal with his trademark ne-waza mastery.
In the -81kg category, Mihajlo Simin (SRB) delivered one of the weekend’s biggest surprises. The 20-year-old Junior European Champion and Junior World bronze medalist made a stunning leap onto the senior stage, claiming his first-ever Grand Prix title. In the final, he faced another rising name, Johan Silot (USA), who impressed everyone with big, clean throws and fierce groundwork.even taking out the top seed from Azerbaijan.
In the +78kg category, Emma-Melis Aktas (EST) reached her first-ever World Judo Tour final, facing Olympic silver medalist Raz Hershko (ISR). Coming straight off a 5th place finish at the Junior Worlds, Emma’s Grand Prix silver marks an incredible step forward in her young career.
Jorre Verstraeten (BEL) brought his signature explosiveness in the -60kg category, capturing bronze with a clean sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi just 90 seconds into his medal match! That makes it his third career Grand Prix medal.
In the -63kg division, Friederike Stolze (GER) put on a great show of spirit and determination. Fighting her way into the bronze medal match, she took control early with a waza-ari and yuko to secure her first-ever Grand Prix medal.
Samira Bock (GER) claimed bronze in the -70kg category, winning an all-German battle against teammate Giovanna Scoccimarro. After Giovanna took an early lead with a waza-ari, Samira turned the tide with a perfectly timed makikomi for ippon! Her first Grand Prix medal and a statement performance!
The Lima Grand Prix reminded us what makes TEAM IPPONGEAR so special, passion, hard work, and heart. Whether it’s a 7th Grand Prix gold or a first-ever medal moment, each performance carried the same fire.
