The first day in Lausanne celebrated judo’s inclusive spirit, with adaptive judo athletes competing alongside World Tour stars. Marina Vorobeva, Yamato Fukuda, Gefen Primo, Kairi Kentoku and Eteri Liparteliani claimed gold medals
Welcome back to the IJF World Tour, and for the first time to Lausanne, Switzerland!
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Before the tournament, at the IOC building, Olympic judo legends took a chance to sign the commemorative wall. And International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer took time to greet some potential future Olympians at a local masterclass.
Inside the Vaudoise Arena, a special tournament began, adaptive judo athletes competed side by side on the same mats as the world's best judoka for the very first time.
And having had their moment in the spotlight. The attention turned to…
Marina VOROBEVA who came out on top at -48kg, arm locking her opponent in the final.
Mr Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK, President of the Russian Judo Federation, was on hand to award the medals.
FUKUDA Yamato of Japan, watched on by President Vizer, and IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, used a huge Ura-nage counter, to seal his first-ever Grand Slam gold medal.
He was awarded his medal by IOC Member Mrs Aïcha GARAD ALI.
In a close -52kg encounter It was Gefen PRIMO who was judged to be the more active player. Earning her 4th grand slam gold.
She was awarded her medal by IOC Honorary President, Mr Thomas BACH.
There was an all-Japan final at -66 kg with Kairi KENTOKU up against Shinsei HATTORI. A breathtaking Uchi-mata from KENTOKU saw him claim his first-ever grand slam gold.
The medals were awarded by IOC Member Mrs Petra SÖRLING.
In the -57kg final, current world champion Eteri LIPARTELIANI of Georgia was up against Sarah Leonie CYSIQUE of France. A signature hip throw from LIPARTELIANI saw her back on top of the podium.
She was awarded the gold by Multiple Judo Olympic Medallist, Mr Klaus GLAHN.
Join us tomorrow for the middle-weights and more big judo stars!