Gran Canaria Judoka Secures Bronze at Historic National Championship
Giovanni Suárez, a rising star in the world of judo, brought home a bronze medal from the 71st Iberdrola spanish Senior Judo championship held in Gran Canaria. The 21-year-old athlete, representing the Akari Las Nieves Club, showcased his exceptional skills and determination in the under-66 kg category.
this year’s championship marked a historic milestone as it was the first time the prestigious event was hosted in the Canary Islands. Held at the Gran Canaria Arena on November 30, 2024, the competition drew over 300 judokas from across 17 autonomous communities, making it a truly national showcase of talent.
Suárez’s journey to the podium was paved with impressive victories. He emerged triumphant in four out of his five matches, culminating in a decisive win secured by two wazaris. This strategic display of technique and power solidified his third-place finish.
Aridany Romero, Sports Councilor of the Cabildo of gran Canaria, personally congratulated Suárez at a special reception held at the Insular sports Institute. Romero commended Suárez’s outstanding performance and highlighted the burgeoning growth of judo on the island,emphasizing the crucial support provided by the Insular Sports Institute.
Romero also acknowledged the Akari las Nieves Club’s notable contribution to promoting sports within the community. With the 2025 competition season on the horizon, Romero expressed his best wishes for Suárez’s continued success.
Rising Star Giovanni Suárez Reflects on historic Judo Bronze
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we have a very special guest, former olympian and Judo master, Carmen Garcia, joining us to discuss the recent success of young judoka Giovanni Suárez at the 71st Iberdrola Spanish Senior Judo Championship. Carmen, thanks for taking the time to chat wiht us.
Carmen: Its a pleasure to be here. I’ve been following Giovanni’s progress with great interest, and what a fantastic achievement for him!
Absolutely! Giovanni brought home the bronze in the under-66kg category – a remarkable feat for a 21-year-old competing against seasoned athletes. What do you think was the key to his success, Carmen?
Carmen: His strategic approach was evident. Those two wazaris he secured in the decisive match showcased both power and finesse. It takes a lot of mental discipline to execute those techniques under pressure.
Precisely! And it’s certainly worth noting that this championship was historic in itself, marking the first time the prestigious event was hosted in the Canary Islands. Do you think that added an extra layer of pressure for the athletes competing on home turf?
Carmen: I believe so. Hosting a national event of this magnitude brings a unique excitement and duty. It’s not just about individual performance; it’s about representing your community on a bigger stage.
Giovanni certainly rose to the occasion. It’s encouraging to see local Judo talent thriving. Aridany Romero, Sports Councilor of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, commended Suarez and highlighted the growing judo scene on the island.What are your thoughts on the impact of local support in nurturing young athletes like Giovanni?
Carmen: Unquestionably, local support is vital. having the backing of the community, the resources, and the possibility to train and compete at a high level creates an environment where athletes can truly flourish. Giovanni’s success is not just his own; it’s a testament to the efforts of his club, the Akari Las Nieves Club, and the dedication of local sporting bodies.
Couldn’t agree more.Giovanni’s win is a significant victory for the entire Gran Canaria judo community. Speaking of victories,Carmen,what advice would you have for budding judoka inspired by Giovanni’s performance?
carmen: Dedication,perseverance,and a love for the sport are crucial. But perhaps most importantly, never stop learning. Judo is a constantly evolving discipline, so embrace the journey, learn from every training session, and always strive to improve.
Wise words indeed. Carmen Garcia, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us today.And to all our judo enthusiasts out there, what are your thoughts on Giovanni suárez’s bronze medal victory? Let us know in the comments below!
