The Judo club Rivesaltes delivered a strong performance at the departmental tournament held in Thuir over the weekend of March 14th and 15th. A total of 47 young judokas from Rivesaltes competed across various age groups – Benjamins, Poussins, Mini-Poussins, and Baby Judo – and returned home with a significant haul of medals.
The tournament, the 3rd departmental event for the P.-O. Benjamins, served as a qualifier for the zonal championships. Alongside the Benjamin competition, the event also hosted a departmental animation event for the younger Poussins, Mini-Poussins, and Baby Judo categories. The success of the Rivesaltes club underscores the growing strength of judo in the region.
Benjamin Category Results
In the Benjamin category, Ophélie Beck Andreu, Raphaël Serie, and Nathan Beck Andreu each secured a 5th-place finish. Gabin Raynal Mania unfortunately lost in the preliminary rounds, even as Léo Hernandez earned a bronze medal. The standout performer in this age group was Lou Nicoleau, who claimed the gold medal and the title of Department Champion. Nicoleau will now represent Rivesaltes at the zonal championships in Marvejolles on Saturday, March 28th.
Poussin Category Success
The Poussin division saw a dominant showing from the Judo club Rivesaltes, with several athletes reaching the top of the podium. Damien Navagas, Ayden Bonnafous, Sohan Casademont, Benjamin Mohedano, and Sandro Pastor all won gold medals in their respective categories. Victor Fonsagrive and Emma Rullac added to the medal count with silver medals, while Alicia Bonnafous, Josh Gianelli, and Illyan Bechir secured bronze medals.
Mini-Poussin and Baby Judo Triumphs
The Mini-Poussin category continued the winning streak for Rivesaltes. Julie Letendard, Tommy Leroy, Natha Erinian, Alice Engrand, and Adrien Mallen all took home gold medals. Kylian Drew, Guillaume Leroy, Antonin Negre, and Louis Ribes earned silver medals, and Eden Tournier, Antony Caumont, Font Yago, Gabriel Helarch, Tom Blaszckak, Gabriel Duc, Sandro Naudi, and Gabriel Elharch each secured a bronze medal.
The youngest competitors, in the Baby Judo category, also demonstrated impressive skill and determination. Noha Triboulat, Timeo Bidia, Noelie Barragues, Cassandra Bonnafous, Lya Derozier, Logan Delmas Frizon, Azurra Plantier, Dahlia Plantier, Eria Greatti Cruzet, and Mael Martin Herin all won gold medals. Aissouba Diego, Léo Spinelli, Marius Saen, Lino Saen, Mathis Chapon, Evan Bravan, and Amin Beentamai also contributed to the club’s success.
The Judo club Rivesaltes’ performance at the Thuir tournament is a testament to the dedication of the athletes, coaches, and the entire club organization. The event itself was praised for its organization, with a special acknowledgement given to the team in Thuir who hosted the tournament.
For Lou Nicoleau, the upcoming zonal championships represent a significant opportunity to further showcase her talent and represent Rivesaltes on a larger stage. The club and its supporters will undoubtedly be cheering her on as she prepares for this next challenge.
The success of the Judo club Rivesaltes extends beyond the medals won. It highlights the positive impact of judo on the development of young athletes, fostering discipline, respect, and physical fitness. The club’s continued growth and achievements are a source of pride for the community.
The next key date for the club is Saturday, March 28th, when Lou Nicoleau competes at the zonal championships in Marvejolles. Stay tuned to the club’s official channels for updates and results.
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