Fourteen years on, she continues to perform, reaching yet another grand slam final, the eleventh of her career, with nine titles already to her name. Tbilisi offered the opportunity for a tenth.
Standing in her way was Alina Boehm (GER), another regular on the World Judo Tour. Before this final, she had already reached six grand slam finals. Whatever the outcome, history was at stake, either a tenth title for Tcheuméo or a first gold after several attempts for Boehm.
In the end, Tcheuméo claimed the title, as Boehm was unable to take part in the final. It marked a tenth grand slam victory for the French judoka, who continues to demonstrate her longevity, strength and motivation at the highest level.
In the first bronze medal contest, Yuliia Kurchenko (UKR), a bronze medallist in Linz two weeks earlier, faced Emma Reid (GBR), who was aiming for a fifth grand slam medal. Kurchenko secured victory with an early yuko scored with a ko-soto-gake.
Milica Žabić (SRB), usually competing in the +78 kg category, took on a new challenge by moving down a weight. At 31 and ranked outside the world’s top 200 in this category, she nonetheless delivered a strong performance, using her power and precision to reach the final block, where she faced Metka Lobnik (SLO) for a place on the podium. A first yuko, scored with a shoulder technique, proved enough for Žabić to secure the bronze medal.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
