San Severo Judo Athletes Shine at Regional Championships
The Italian Judo scene is buzzing after a triumphant return to competition following the pandemic hiatus.On February 20th, 2022, Bari hosted the Qualification for the Italian Cadet Championship, where San Severo’s Cristian Pazienza secured a remarkable first-place finish in the highest weight category. This victory propels him to the National Final, scheduled for March 5th in Ostia.
Adding to the excitement,the Regional Championships,held concurrently,witnessed a clean sweep by Sansevero’s Judo Samurai athletes. Candida d’Errico dominated her division, claiming the gold medal. Tiziano giuliani secured a commendable second-place finish, while Valeriano d’Errico rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes,” declared the Judo Samurai coaching team, comprised of Michele de Lilla, Silvano Sciarra, Luca Del Buono, and Alessandro Santoro. “Despite the challenges and uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, their dedication and hard work have paid off.”
The team now rallies behind Cristian Pazienza as he prepares for the demanding National Final.As the saying goes, “fortune favors the prepared,” and Pazienza’s journey exemplifies the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the competitive world of judo.
From San Severo to National Stardom: A Judo Journey with Coach Michele De Lilla
Welcome back, fight fans! Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Michele De Lilla, head coach of the Judo Samurai, the San Severo-based team making waves in the Italian judo scene. Coach De Lilla, welcome to the show!
Michele De Lilla: Thank you for having me. ItS great to be here.
Let’s dive right in. The recent Regional Championships saw an astonishing performance from your team, truly dominating the medals. What are your thoughts on their success?
MD: I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them. They’ve shown tremendous dedication and resilience, especially after facing the uncertainties of the pandemic. Candida’s gold medal, Tiziano’s silver, and Valeriano’s bronze – it’s a testament to the hard work they’ve put in.
Cristian Pazienza’s first-place finish in the Qualification for the Italian Cadet Championship is truly noteworthy. How do you see him chances at the National Final?
MD: Cristian is a remarkable athlete, raw talent combined with unwavering determination. He’s been training relentlessly for this, and I have full confidence in his abilities. The National Final will be tough, there’s no doubt whatsoever, but with his dedication and the support of the team, I believe he can make his mark.
The pandemic presented unique challenges for all athletes.How did you and your team navigate those hardships?
MD: We adapted. We had to be creative with training, utilizing online sessions and finding ways to maintain motivation and fitness even during lockdowns.It wasn’t easy, but it brought us closer as a team and strengthened our resolve.
Looking beyond individual achievements, what about the greater impact of judo on thes young athletes?
MD: Judo is more than just a sport; it teaches discipline, respect, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. These are invaluable life lessons that translate beyond the mat. It builds character and instills a strong work ethic that benefits them in all aspects of their lives.
I wholeheartedly agree. Now, let’s open it up to our viewers. Do you think Cristian Pazienza has what it takes to claim the National Championship? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
We’ll be right back after a short break. Don’t go anywhere!
