All-time great Teddy RINER was in Antalya and looking for gold. He is preparing for the Olympics to be held at home this summer.
An exciting match took place in the final with Japan’s Tatsuru SAITO’s Olympic selection. It gave a great insight into what was to come in Paris; A close fight filled with many exciting moments. Ultimately, RINER reciprocated SAITO in exchange for waza-ari.
IJF President Marius VIZER presented the medals.
“Thank you all,” said Teddy RINER. “Thank you because people are crying and they are creating a good sensation for fighters like me and other fighters preparing for the Olympic Games. Antalya is a very good Grand Slam, thank you all again,” he said.
At -90kg, Sanshiro MURAO and Vugar TALIBOV were approaching the Golden Score with a waza-ari each on the board, but Murao’s experience prevailed and he seized the opportunity for a second waza-ari. A dominant performance for his fifth Grand Slam gold.
The medals were given by Sezer HÜYSUZ, President of the Turkish Judo Federation.
-Madeleine MALONGA faced Alina BOEHM in the 78 kilo category. A great ippon from the French athlete earned him the gold medal. The cheering audience created a wave of emotion in Malonga. Malonga’s fourth Grand Slam gold.
IJF Ambassador Antonio CASTRO presented the medals.
Madeleine MALONGA said, “Antalya Grand Slam was very good.” “Good crowd, good atmosphere and I think that really helped me today.”
Former double world champion FONSECA advanced to the final. ELNAHAS could not compete.
The medals were given by Hasat Group CEO Almaz ALSENOV.
Julia TOLOFUA, weighing +78 kg, produced a magnificent uchi-mata to win the gold medal, scoring ippon points in her first tournament on the world judo tour in seven months.
IJF Director General Vlad MARINESCU presented the medals.
Turkish judo enthusiasts in the crowd were treated to fantastic ippon moments by their heroes today.
Final show with bronze medal performances of Mihael ZGANK, Kayra ÖZDEMİR and Hilal ÖZTÜRK!
That concludes the exciting 2024 Antalya Grand Slam! Thank you Türkiye for hosting the Judo family!