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Titans Shine in Lima — Grand Prix Ends with a Powerful Finale

In -90kg Rafael MACEDO of Brazil met Murad FATIYEV of Azerbaijan
In -90kg Rafael MACEDO of Brazil met Murad FATIYEV of Azerbaijan Copyright  IJF
Copyright IJF
By Euronews with IJF
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The final day in Lima saw the heavyweights close an unforgettable Grand Prix in style. Rafael Macedo, Metka Lobnik, Giovani Ferreira, Raz Hershko, and Lukas Krpalek all claimed gold, showcasing world-class judo and emotion. A fitting finale to Peru’s historic debut.

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It’s the third and final day of the Lima 2025 Grand Prix in Peru, and the heavyweights were to deliver a spectacular finale to an unforgettable event.

In -90kg Rafael MACEDO of Brazil met Murad FATIYEV of Azerbaijan.

In a tightly contested battle, MACEDO found the armlock he needed to secure his victory, and gold medal.

I want to have a lot more events here because it’s very good for us. We have a lot of Brazilian and Pan-American friends, and my family, it's my life. I had a child twenty days ago and this medal is for him, my little boy, and my wife.
Rafael Macedo

His medal was awarded by IJF Ambassador & IJF Medical Commission Chair, Dr Antonio CASTRO.

Already a Grand Prix silver and bronze medalist, Metka LOBNIK of Slovenia had her sights set firmly on gold in the -78kg category.

She completed her collection in style with some superb ground work, pinning her opponent for ippon.

I usually don't get to compete with my team because there are only a few of us from Slovinia. But now I have quite a few supporters because of the Junior Worlds. They decided they will stay and cheer for me so I’m very happy to have my friends from the club here.
Metka Lobnik

She was awarded her medal by IJF Sport Commission Member & 3 time World Champion, Ms Yuri ALVEAR.

Leonardo Goncalves faced teammate Giovani Ferreira in the all Brazilian showdown at -100kg. With mutual respect but fierce determination, it was Ferreira who would take home the gold!

The medals were awarded by IJF Vice President, Mr Carlos ZEGARRA.

A +78kg final is familiar territory for Raz HERSHKO. With an early yuko score, HERSHKO held on throughout the contest to claim her gold medal.

Israel Ambassador in Peru, His Excellency Mr Eran YUVAN was on hand to award the medals.

In the +100kg final, Brazil’s Rafael Buzacarini took on two-time Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek of Czechia. With the fight into golden score, Krpalek demonstrated why he is so dominant on the ground with a trademark transition into a hold down.

Krpalek adding yet another gold to his impressive collection.

He was awarded his medal by Peruvian Olympic Committee Vice President, Mr Manuel DEL CASTILLO.

The third and final day of the Peru Grand Prix wrapped up an incredible first-ever Grand Prix event for the country. The heavyweights put on an incredible performance that brought the competition to a spectacular close. Thank you Peru.

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