–57 kg: Buchard Shines as France Claims Double Glory / IJF.org

The –57 kg final block in Guadalajara showcased the strength and depth of French judo. Both Ophélie Vellozzi and Amandine Buchard displayed confident, attacking judo throughout the preliminaries, defeating strong opponents to secure an all-French final. Vellozzi, bronze medallist at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this year, continued to impress with her tactical awareness and sharp execution, while Buchard reaffirmed her world-class status with clean victories, including her trademark kata-guruma that thrilled the crowd. Behind them, the bronze medal contests promised more excitement, featuring athletes who had shown real fighting spirit in the morning session.

Final, Ophelie Vellozzi (FRA) vs Amandine Buchard (FRA).

Final

Ophelie Vellozzi (FRA) vs Amandine Buchard (FRA)

It was fair to say that Buchard largely dominated the final. Her experience and technical mastery allowed her to claim her first grand prix victory in this category. Her rivals are now on notice, she could well become a major force at –57 kg.

Gold medallist, Amandine Buchard (FRA).

Still, the contest was far from easy, as Vellozzi offered determined resistance, forcing Buchard to stay sharp tactically, especially after receiving two penalties. In the end, two yuko scores made the difference, sealing a superb win and a second consecutive medal for Amandine Buchard in this weight category.

Bronze Medal Contests

Marta Garcia Martin (ESP) vs Acelya Toprak (GBR)

After a balanced and evenly contested fight, it took golden score for Acelya Toprak to find the decisive moment, scoring ippon with a clean ko-soto-gake. This marks her first-ever grand prix medal, a breakthrough achievement for the British judoka.

Bronze Medal Contest, Marta Garcia Martin (ESP) vs Acelya Toprak (GBR).

Adriana Rodriguez Salvador (ESP) vs Shirlen Nascimento (BRA)

Adriana Rodriguez Salvador took an early lead with a yuko, but her advantage was short-lived as Shirlen Nascimento equalised quickly. The Brazilian then concluded the contest with a well-applied shime-waza for ippon, earning her second consecutive medal on the World Judo Tour.

Bronze Medal Contest, Adriana Rodriguez Salvador (ESP) vs Shirlen Nascimento (BRA).

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Raul Camacho Perez, IJF Referee Director, and Mr Pedro Kolychkine, Director of the Recognition Commission of the Panamerican Judo Confederation.

Final (-57 kg)

VELLOZZI Ophelie (FRA) vs BUCHARD Amandine (FRA)

Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)

GARCIA MARTIN Marta (ESP) vs TOPRAK Acelya (GBR)

RODRIGUEZ SALVADOR Adriana (ESP) vs NASCIMENTO Shirlen (BRA)

Final Results (-57 kg)

1. BUCHARD Amandine (FRA)

2. VELLOZZI Ophelie (FRA)

3. TOPRAK Acelya (GBR)

3. NASCIMENTO Shirlen (BRA)

5. GARCIA MARTIN Marta (ESP)

5. RODRIGUEZ SALVADOR Adriana (ESP)

7. ZAKROISKY Hili (ISR)

7. ORTIZ Renata (MEX)