Tara Babulfath: Gold in the weight category -48 kg
This weekend, all eyes were undoubtedly on Sweden's Tara Babulfath. At just 18 years old, she is already an Olympic, World Championship, and Grand Slam medalist. This weekend marked her first competition since the Olympic Games, and she delivered an outstanding performance: she claimed the U23 European Championship title, proudly representing Sweden. This is the second European title in Babulfath's short yet already incredibly successful career. Two years ago, she won the European Championship in the cadet division, and now she can call herself the U23 European Champion. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable young athlete.
Elena Dengg: Gold in the weight category -70 kg
The past few weeks have been incredibly demanding for Austria's Elena Dengg, but we're certain she wouldn’t trade them for anything. Just a month ago, she claimed the Junior World Championship title, and this weekend she added another crown by winning the U23 European Championship. In the final, she defeated Germany’s two-time U23 European Champion Samira Bock. Dengg seems to be well on her way to following in the footsteps of Michaela Polleres, one of Austria's most successful athletes in the -70 kg weight class. We are so proud of you, Elena!
Giuseppe de Tullio: Gold in the weight category -66 kg
The next gold medal for Team IPPONGEAR went to Giuseppe de Tullio. The Italian delivered an impressive performance in the highly competitive -66 kg category, defeating his teammate Federico Ninfo in the final. With this victory, the 22-year-old has made a strong case for himself and looks ready to take on the IJF World Tour next year.
Yael van Heemst: Gold in the weight category -78 kg
The fourth gold medal for Team IPPONGEAR came on the final day of competition, courtesy of Yael van Heemst. This victory was particularly heartwarming, as the 22-year-old Dutch athlete has spent the last two years steadily battling her way back from a severe shoulder injury. With her U23 European Championship title, she has undoubtedly made her ambitions clear for a ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
From Team IPPONGEAR’s perspective, the -78 kg category was especially gratifying. The podium was entirely occupied by IPPONGEAR athletes: Maria Hanstede, Zuzanna Banaszewska, and Yuliia Kurchenko.
Luca Mamira: Bronze in the weight category -52 kg
Hungary’s Luca Mamira is an athlete who has already claimed several European medals. The lightweight competitor has won major medals in both the cadet and junior categories, and this weekend, she added her first U23 European Championship medal to her collection. This achievement could serve as the perfect springboard for Mamira as she transitions to the senior category next year.
Aron Szabo: Bronze in the weight category -73 kg
Luca Mamira's teammate, Aron Szabo, celebrated his first European Championship medal, earning bronze in the -73 kg category. Last month, Szabó claimed his first European Cup medal in the senior division, and this weekend, he capped off the season in style with a medal at the European Championships.
Magamed Borchashvili: Bronze in the weight category -81 kg
In addition to Shamil, Wachid, Movli, and Kimran, there is yet another Borchashvili making waves in the Austrian ranks - Magamad Borchashvili. The Austrian celebrated his first medal at a European Championship by securing bronze in the -81 kg category.
Last week, Wachid Borchashvili, an Olympian from Paris 2024, announced his retirement from competitive judo. However, Austria appears to have no shortage of talent in the -81 kg weight class. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Magamad Borchashvili!
Maria Hanstede: Silver in the weight category -78 kg
Maria Hanstede from the Netherlands became the vice-European Champion in the -78 kg category. The 19-year-old Hanstede has already won two medals at the European Open this year, and this weekend, she celebrated her first European Championship medal.
Zuzanna Banaszewska: Bronze in the weight category -78 kg
Another young athlete who can look back on an incredible season is Poland's Zuzanna Banaszewska. At just 17 years old, Banaszewska has already won no fewer than nine European Cup medals. This year, she became both World and European Champion in the cadet category, and this weekend, she added a U23 European medal to her collection, securing bronze in the -78 kg category in front of her home crowd. What an incredible year for this young athlete! Zuzanna Banaszewska – remember the name.
Yuliia Kurchenko: Bronze in the weight category -78 kg
As previously mentioned, the -78 kg category was entirely dominated by Team IPPONGEAR. The final medalist on the podium in this category was Yuliia Kurchenko from Ukraine. Expectations were undoubtedly high for the World No. 13 and 2024 Tbilisi Grand Slam champion, and she lived up to them with ease, securing the bronze medal – her fourth individual European Championship medal of her career. We are so proud of you, Yuliia!
Marek Adrian Masak: Bronze in the weight category +100 kg
Marek Adrian Masak from Estonia is another young athlete on the rise. This year, he became the Cadet European Champion and the Cadet World Championship runner-up, reaching no fewer than five Cadet European Cup finals. It’s safe to say that the young Estonian is on a hot streak. This weekend, Masak capped off his incredibly successful season by winning a bronze medal at the U23 European Championships. We are so proud of you, Marek!
Congratulations to our IPPONGEAR athletes for their incredible achievements this weekend. The future is yours!
