Poreč, Croatia – Italian judoka Sofia Longo secured a bronze medal at the European Cup U18 in Poreč on February 28, 2026, adding another prestigious achievement to her burgeoning international career. The 17-year-old, representing Judoka Riccionese and coached by her father, Giuseppe Longo, demonstrated both determination and technical maturity throughout the competition.
Longo’s path to the podium began with a confident victory over Israel’s Talya Hazenshprung. She then faced a challenging all-Italian matchup in the second round, overcoming Ilaria Marino in a closely contested derby. The semifinal saw Longo pitted against Hungary’s Nora Takacs, a match she narrowly lost after a hard-fought battle. However, Longo rebounded strongly in the bronze medal contest, decisively defeating England’s Katrina Davis to claim the third spot.
A Disappointing Semifinal, But a Promising Season Ahead
Despite the excitement of winning a medal, Longo expressed some regret over the semifinal result. “The competition was challenging. I’m disappointed with the semifinal match, as I started with the goal of returning home with a heavier medal,” Longo said, according to reports. “But it’s not a problem now; the season is still long, and I’ll have time and opportunity to recover.”
Rising in the Ranks: A Top-Ten Finish
This latest bronze medal adds to a growing list of accomplishments for the young judoka, following a bronze medal at the European Cup in Sofia and a gold medal at the European Cup in Riga in November 2025. More significantly, the result propels Longo into the top ten of the U18 world rankings, currently holding the 9th position. This achievement underscores her potential as a rising star in the sport.
The experience in Poreč didn’t end with the competition itself. Longo also participated in a subsequent international training camp, which brought together over 500 athletes from across Europe. This camp provided a valuable opportunity for technical development and cross-cultural exchange.
The Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate e Arti Marziali (FIJLKAM), the Italian federation overseeing judo, wrestling, karate, and martial arts, will undoubtedly be pleased with Longo’s performance. The FIJLKAM plays a crucial role in developing young talent and supporting Italian athletes on the international stage. The organization provides training resources, competition opportunities, and administrative support to its members.
For those unfamiliar with the European Cup U18 circuit, these events serve as vital stepping stones for young judoka aiming to compete at higher levels, including the Junior World Championships and eventually the Olympic Games. The competition in Poreč, held in Croatia, attracts some of the most promising under-18 judoka from across the continent, making Longo’s bronze medal all the more impressive.
While Longo’s success is a highlight, the Judoka Riccionese club also saw participation from Anna Vittoria Forlani, Alessandro Nassuato, and Luca Fornasiero at the Poreč event. Although they didn’t advance to the repechage rounds, their participation represents valuable experience and contributes to the overall growth of the club. The club’s commitment to nurturing young talent is clearly paying dividends, as evidenced by Longo’s success.
What’s Next for Sofia Longo?
Longo’s focus now shifts to continued training and preparation for upcoming competitions. The remainder of the 2026 season promises to be busy, with opportunities to further improve her ranking and gain more international experience. Fans can follow her progress and the latest updates from the FIJLKAM on their official website. The young judoka’s dedication and talent suggest a bright future in the sport, and she is one to watch as she continues her journey towards the highest levels of competition.
The success of athletes like Sofia Longo highlights the strength and depth of judo in Italy, and the commitment of organizations like the FIJLKAM to fostering the next generation of champions. It’s a testament to the hard operate, dedication, and passion that define the sport.
(This article was updated on March 6, 2026, to reflect the latest information available.)
