Ryu Judo Vallecamonica makes a Triumphant Return to Competition The Ryu Judo Vallecamonica team made a resounding comeback to the competitive scene at the first round of the CSI Bergamo provincial championship held in Ciserano on March 5th. Led by President Flavio Testa, nine athletes represented the club amidst a field of 152 competitors from eleven clubs. The team’s performance was nothing short of notable, securing a remarkable nine medals: six gold, one silver, and two bronze.
This impressive medal haul included gold medals for Gioele Taboni, Marco stofler, Niccolò Pandocchi, Giorgio Bella, sebastian Iotu, and andrea Bernardi. Matteo Camossi added a silver medal to the team’s tally, while Florin Iotu and Maria Bernardi contributed two bronze medals. The success was even more significant considering that many of the athletes were making their competitive debuts, while others were returning to the mat after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Ryu Judo Vallecamonica’s strong showing placed them third in the overall club rankings, trailing only Judo Shoganai in second place and the Ponteranica team in first. The team’s performance bodes well for the future, notably as they prepare for the second round of the championship scheduled for April 2nd, again at the Ciserano sports hall.
A Triumphant Return: An Interview with Flavio Testa
Welcome back, judo enthusiasts! Today, we have a very special guest joining us: Flavio Testa, the President of Ryu Judo Vallecamonica. Mr. Testa, thank you for taking the time too chat with us today.
Flavio Testa: The pleasure is all mine.It’s great to be here.
Ryu Judo Vallecamonica made an incredibly remarkable return to competition at the CSI Bergamo provincial championship. Nine medals, including six gold, is simply phenomenal. What were your thoughts as you watched your team compete?
Flavio Testa: Honestly, I was filled with a mix of pride and relief. The pandemic hit us hard, like many other clubs. To see our athletes, many of whom were returning after a two-year break or even making their competitive debut, fight with such passion and skill was truly inspiring.
It wasn’t just about the medals, though those were certainly a welcome bonus. What really impressed me was the spirit of the team, their resilience, and their dedication.
Absolutely. and speaking of resilience, it must have been challenging to rebuild momentum after such a long hiatus.
Flavio Testa: You’re right, it wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, moments where we wondered if we could recapture the momentum we had before the pandemic. But our athletes are incredibly dedicated, and our coaching staff worked tirelessly to prepare them.
Ryu Judo Vallecamonica came in third overall. That’s a fantastic achievement when you consider the strong competition.
Flavio Testa: We knew going into the championship that we would be facing some tough opponents. Judo Shoganai and Ponteranica are both excellent clubs with incredibly talented athletes. To finish third against such strong competition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.
What are your expectations for the second round of the championship in April?
Flavio Testa: We’re aiming for continued advancement and, of course, more medals! But most importantly, we want to see our athletes build on the momentum they’ve gained. This is a young team with immense potential, and we’re excited to see what they can achieve in the coming months.
now, for our readers, what would you say to young athletes who are considering taking up judo or who might be hesitant to return to competition after a break?
Flavio testa: My advice is simple: don’t hesitate. Judo is a sport that teaches discipline, respect, and resilience. It’s a sport that builds character and empowers individuals both on and off the mat. If you have a passion for judo, go for it with full heart! And to those returning after a break, remember the joy and camaraderie that come with competing. You might be surprised at how quickly you regain your skills and confidence.
That concludes our interview with Mr. Testa. A big thank you to Flavio for sharing his insights and inspiring words.
What are your thoughts,readers? Share your comments and experiences below! Did any of Ryu Judo Vallecamonica’s performances stand out to you? What do you think it takes to thrive in a sport like judo? Let’s keep the conversation going!
