In recent days, the “European Open” in Rome was put on hold, a judo event which saw dozens and dozens of athletes from all over Europe compete in Ostia. And a medal also arrived for Prato: thanks to Elena Guarducci, capable of winning third place after beating an expert competitor like the Polish Paulina Szlachta. A bronze medal that confirms the technical progress of the Prato judoka of Kyu Shin Ryu Prato, establishing her among the promises of judo at an international level. The medal is in addition to the two bronzes she previously won in the “junior” European competitions in Sarajevo and Paks, preceding the seventh place obtained at the “European Cup” in Podgorica (i.e. the first match faced as a senior).
“The Rome Open had been planned for some time. It was thought of more as an experience of participation rather than aiming for a result. This is why this medal fills me with joy – commented the person concerned regarding the result obtained – it was not a easy period, I had to adapt to the change of coach, but I found new energy thanks to my new coach, Odalis Revé”.
Guarducci also thanked the coach Marco Andrei of Libertas and the technicians Nicholas Mungai and Pier Angelo Toniolo, who followed her in the race. In addition to her father Andrea, who follows her as an athletic trainer. “I felt that a great result would come – commented the latter – based on how I saw her work”. Before taking a breath and thinking about 2025, we need to honor the last competition of the year: Elena is preparing for the Serie A1 Italian Cup, with the aim of doing well. And to try to climb to the top step of the podium, thus closing in the best possible way a 2024 so far full of satisfactions.
Giovanni Fiorentino
