She’s no longer the surprise finalist of 2022. Lara Cvjetko (CRO) has officially cemented her place among the world’s elite. On her way to the final, the Croatian judoka tore through the draw: defeating SONG Hui Mun (PRK), Gabriella Willems (BEL), and in a thrilling golden score quarterfinal, the reigning World Champion Margaux Pinot (FRA).In the semis, Lara handled the experienced Aoife Coughlan (AUS) with poise. The final against Japan’s Shiho Tanakawas a tactical battle, narrowly decided in overtime by yuko. A silver medal, but a golden performance in every sense.
“This time, it really felt like a World Championship final,” Lara shared, “because the first time I was fighting against my teammate Barbara [Matic], and it was a really weird feeling. It felt more like a national championships, but this time it was different. Even now it doesn’t seem real that I won this silver medal.”
‘At the start of the year, I never expected to be standing here with a European bronze and a World silver. I’m just really happy.”
Croatia’s depth in the -70kg division is nothing short of phenomenal. With Olympic and World Champion Barbara Matic, and now another world silver for Cvjetko.
Another big name, another big medal. Sanne Van Dijke (NED) returned to her favorite hunting ground — Budapest — and walked away with her third World Championships bronze.The 2021 Olympic bronze medalist dispatched Ai Tsunoda (ESP) in the bronze medal contest with her signature composure and relentless grit. “I love Budapest! My first world medal was here, I won the Masters here, and now this. Everything’s close, no time difference, good food — it’s perfect. And I’m happy to be back on the podium,” Sanne told us.
Miriam Butkereit (GER) has long been knocking at the door at the World Championships, and on Day 5 in Budapest, that door finally opened. After two heartbreaking fifth-place finishes at previous World Championships, Miri takes home her first World bronze.
“I’m proud. The first medal after the Olympics, and the first World Medal, is amazing” Despite a short prep window following the European Championships and a nagging knee injury, Butkereit showed resilience and power throughout the day.“During randori in training, I felt better than expected. I just thought, Wow, I’m strong. I’m back."
It wasn’t just the -70kg category where IPPONGEAR shone. Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST) turned heads in the men’s -90kg with a gutsy fifth-place finish, taking out Olympic bronze medalist Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (FRA) in repechage. A world-class performance from a rising star.
Day 5 was a celebration of everything IPPONGEAR stands for: excellence, resilience, passion. From Cvjetko’s fierce run to silver, to Van Dijke’s consistency, to Butkereit’s long-awaited breakthrough, We are so proud of our Team! Congratulations!
