Japan Makes Its Mark
Japan, always expected to feature prominently, finally appeared on the medal table with a single but significant victory. Rio Shirakane claimed gold at -52 kg in pure Japanese style, her performance defined by precision and decisive groundwork.
Ribeiro’s Historic Triple Crown
One of the standout achievements of the championships so far has been the performance of Clarice Ribeiro (-48 kg). The Brazilian judoka secured her third consecutive cadet world title, a virtually unprecedented feat in this age group. Her golden journey began in Zagreb in 2023, continued in Lima last year and has now reached its climax in Sofia. Sustaining excellence at cadet level, where unpredictability and upsets are commonplace, is a remarkable accomplishment. All eyes will now be on Ribeiro as she moves into the juniors: can she extend her golden streak?
France on the Board
Another highlight of the second day was the arrival of France among the medallists. Nourane Moussati (-48 kg) secured bronze, opening the French tally after a quiet first day. There is no cause for concern, however; cadets are but one stage on the development pathway. In just a few weeks, the Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, will provide another chance to assess the new wave of French talent. Following the Paris 2024 Games, France is entering a generational transition and these young athletes will be central to that story.
Near Misses, Future Stars
Several nations came agonisingly close to a first world title: Belgium with Maelys Dapa (-48 kg), Tajikistan with Loiq Kudbudinov (-60 kg) and Sweden with Sofia Cordova (-52 kg). While disappointment was inevitable, their performances also serve as strong indicators of exciting futures on the international stage.
A Truly Global Event
In total, 17 countries have already secured medals, while 27 nations have reached the final block of competition. This breadth of success confirms the openness of the championships, with talent spread widely across the continents.