Derks' journey is indicative of what we often observe among juniors: a first year of discovery and running-in before a first performance, confirmed during the third year to conclude a cycle ideally launched for full entry into the seniors ranks.
It was an off day in this category for the Japanese judoka, as Mika Nakano was also eliminated prematurely, allowing Minju Kim (KOR) to join Derks in the final.
Minju Kim upset the ranking by blocking any attempt from Derks and by scoring twice with a shoulder movement. Derks had to settle for the silver, while Kim could enjoy her junior world title.
Colombia, with Brenda Olaya (COL) had the chance of a medal. To do this she still had to pass the Khuslen Otgonbayar (MGL) obstacle. With two shido to her name, Otgonbayar was under pressure as the golden score period began. Bothered by her opponent’s unorthodox way of fighting, she was often standing in a defensive position, which Brenda Olaya eventually took advantage of with an o-uchi-gari for waza-ari and a well deserved medal for her, for Colombia and for Pan America.
Eva Ronja Buddenkotte (GER) and Ilana Bouvier (FRA) faced each other in the second match for a bronze medal. The first waza-ari came from a clever change of direction from Bouvier with an o-uchi-gari conclusion. The same situation happened a few seconds later for the same conclusion and a second waza-ari for Bouvier. The bronze medal was for France.
Final (-78 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-78 kg)
Final Results (-78 kg)
