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Thanks to Timo: Gold for Portugal at the Judo Grand Prix in Almada

On the second day of competition it really worked out: Gold for Portugal at the domestic Judo Grand Prix in Almada near Lisbon!

Barbara Timo jumped onto the top step of the podium in the women’s 63 kg category. The 31-year-old won the final against Gabriella Moraes from Brazil. This is what the judo fans in Almada had been waiting for: a Grand Prix victory for the organising Portuguese federation!

Catarina Rodrigues, event director of the Portuguese Grand Prix, performed the winner’s tribute.

“The audience gives me an extra boost. To receive this support – also from my family and acquaintances – really inspires me. It would be nice if it was like this at every competition. It was great to win the first medal here in Portugal,” Timo said happily.

Aggressive Nomonov

Obidchon Nomonov from Uzbekistan also took home gold. He took on Kazakhstan’s Shansay Smagulov in the 73 kilogram weight class and was rewarded for his attack-minded approach.

And he did so with the gold medal, presented by Mohammed Meridja, responsible for training matters at the World Judo Federation.

“Having my team here is a great support. When I am tired, Ilias Iliadis calls in cheers. When I hear his voice, I gain new strength and fight better – especially when I am exhausted,” Nomonow said.

Australian Aoife Coughlan won the women’s up to 70 kilograms. It was only the second Grand Prix success of her home federation. Her opponent in the final was Elvismar Rodriguez and comes from Venezuela.

The Sporting Director of the World Judo Federation, Vladimir Barta, presented the precious metal plaques.

Lee Joonwhan: Still impressive

The 20-year-old Korean Lee Joonwhan is regarded as the man to come in the 81 kilogram weight category. In Portugal he won his third World Tour gold since June last year.

Daniel Lascau, chief referee of the World Judo Federation, performed the award ceremony.

There was much cheering for Anri Egutidze, even if the Portuguese was eliminated in the preliminary round in the men’s up to 81 kilograms. On the third and last day of the competition, the organising Portuguese federation hopes for more precious metal: Five weight categories are still being fought.

By Julian