The Junior World No. 1, Milan Bulaja (SRB), once again showed why he’s one of the brightest talents in the -100kg category. Milan was unstoppable from start to finish. In the final, he threw his Japanese opponent with a perfectly timed sode-tsuri-komi-goshi for waza-ari, sealing his place as Junior World Champion!
In the -78kg category, we were treated to an all-IPPONGEAR final! Maria Hanstede (NED) and Mathilda Sophie Niemeyer (GER) faced off in a thrilling showdown that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. In the end, Maria found the perfect counter to take the win and the Junior World title, while Mathilda Sophia claimed a well-earned silver after a spectacular day of judo.
The current Junior European Champion and World No. 1, Aitana Díaz Hernández (ESP), once again impressed the judo world in the -48kg category. Aitana fought her way to the final with skill and determination, even defeating senior World and Olympic Bronze medalist Tara Babulfath (SWE) along the way. In the final, she started strong but was caught by Sachiyo Yoshino (JPN), finishing with a Junior World Silver Medal. Aitana continues to prove she belongs among the very best.
Jonathan Yang (USA), the 2024 Cadet World Champion, brought his fighting spirit to Lima and delivered a performance to remember. In a grueling repechage match that lasted over 10 minutes of golden score, he came out on top and he wasn’t done yet. In another marathon of a bronze medal contest, Jonathan executed a perfectly timed tai-otoshi for waza-ari after more than five minutes in overtime to claim bronze in the -60kg category.
Jana Cvjetko (CRO) didn’t waste a single second in her bronze medal match. In under 20 seconds, she secured a flawless armbar for ippon and with it, the Junior World Bronze Medal in the -70kg category. A spectacular finish from the Croatian talent!
In the -52kg division, Tabea Nika Mecklenburg (GER) impressed with her sharp transitions and strong groundwork. She earned her bronze medal by turning her opponent into a pin for ippon, a textbook performance!
Her teammate Paul Friedrichs (GER) also made it onto the podium, claiming bronze in the -90kg category. Paul’s day was full of power and precision, proving he’s ready to take on the world’s best.
Vice Junior European Champion, Mortaza Suha (GER) capped off the event with a huge performance in the +100kg category. In a nail-biting bronze medal match, he showcased incredible composure in groundwork, turning his opponent in overtime to hold him down for five seconds, enough for a decisive score and a Junior World Bronze Medal!
What a weekend it was in Lima. The future of judo is bright, and these IPPONGEAR athletes are leading the way. Congratulations to all our athletes, we couldn’t be prouder. The journey is only just beginning.
