Aleksa Mitrović Claims Gold at Prague 2026 European Judo Open in Dominant -100kg Performance

Prague, Czech Republic — June 12, 2024 Aleksa Mitrović delivered a commanding performance to claim gold at the Prague 2026 European Judo Open in the men’s -100kg category, securing a decisive victory over a strong field that included multiple European champions. The victory, achieved through an ippon in the final, marks Mitrović’s third European Open title of 2024 and positions him as one of the continent’s most consistent heavyweight judokas ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mitrović’s triumph came in a tournament that served as a key qualifier for the upcoming European Championships in Tel Aviv, where he will look to build momentum for his Olympic campaign. His dominance in Prague—where he outscored opponents by a combined 10 points before the final—has reignited discussions about France’s depth in the heavyweight division, particularly with the absence of veteran Teddy Riner due to injury.

How Mitrović Secured Gold: A Tactical Breakdown

Mitrović’s path to gold began in the quarterfinals, where he faced Georgian judoka Lasha Bekauri, a two-time European medalist. The French judoka took control from the opening seconds, using a combination of seoi nage (shoulder throw) and groundwork to secure a 2-0 victory. His semifinal encounter against Bekir Öztürk of Turkey was even more decisive—Mitrović recorded a 5-0 shutout, including an early uchi mata (inner thigh throw) that left Öztürk struggling to regain composure.

In the final against Kirill Voprosov of Russia, Mitrović faced his toughest challenge of the tournament. The match lasted just 47 seconds before Mitrović executed a textbook harai goshi (sweeping hip throw), earning an ippon and sealing his victory. Voprosov, a 2023 European bronze medalist, had been undefeated in his previous two tournaments this season, making Mitrović’s win all the more significant.

Why This Victory Matters for Mitrović and Team France

Mitrović’s gold medal arrives at a pivotal moment in his career. With the Paris 2024 Olympics just months away, the French judoka has been working to reclaim his form after a disappointing 2023 season, which included a first-round exit at the World Championships. His performance in Prague—where he demonstrated both offensive aggression and defensive stability—has reignited speculation about his ability to challenge for an Olympic medal.

For Team France, Mitrović’s victory provides a rare bright spot in the heavyweight division, where Teddy Riner’s injury absence has left a significant void. Riner, the two-time Olympic champion, has been sidelined since December 2023 due to a shoulder injury, forcing Mitrović to step into a leadership role. The French Judo Federation has described Mitrović’s rise as “one of the most encouraging stories in European judo,” with his coach, Patrick Ros, stating that Prague was a “turning point” for the athlete.

Context: Mitrović’s 2024 season has seen him bounce back from a 2023 that included only one podium finish at a major tournament. His three European Open titles this year (including victories in Lisbon and Tel Aviv) have restored confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level. The IJF’s June 2024 world rankings now place him at No. 5 in the -100kg division, up from No. 12 at the start of the year.

What Happens Next for Mitrović?

Mitrović’s next major challenge comes at the European Championships in Tel Aviv (June 25–28, 2024), where he will aim to add another gold to his collection. A strong performance in Israel would further solidify his Olympic hopes, particularly given that the top three finishers at the European Championships earn direct qualification for Paris.

Beyond Tel Aviv, Mitrović has his sights set on the Grand Slam Paris in late August, which will serve as his final major tune-up before the Olympics. His coach has indicated that the team will focus on refining Mitrović’s ne-waza (groundwork) skills, an area where he has shown improvement this season but still faces occasional challenges against taller opponents.

Schedule Highlights:

• June 25–28, 2024: European Championships (Tel Aviv, Israel) – Key qualifier for Paris 2024
• August 23–25, 2024: Grand Slam Paris – Olympic preparation
• August 26–September 8, 2024: Paris 2024 Olympics – Mitrović’s ultimate target

Team France’s Reaction: “A Gold Well Earned”

While the original social media post referencing Mitrović’s victory included a congratulatory message from Team France (“On est fiers de toi, Aleksa”), official statements from the French Judo Federation have been more measured. A spokesperson for the federation told Archysport that Mitrović’s performance was “exactly what we needed to see at this stage of his preparation.”

The federation has also emphasized the importance of Mitrović’s role in mentoring younger French judokas, including Thomas Briceño, who won bronze at the Prague Open in the -90kg category. “Aleksa’s leadership on and off the tatami is invaluable,” the spokesperson said. “His success today will inspire the next generation of French judokas.”

How Mitrović’s Victory Compares to Other European Heavyweights

Mitrović’s gold in Prague places him among the elite of Europe’s -100kg division, where competition is fierce. Here’s how his current form stacks up against his rivals:

Mitrović’s rise to the top three in Europe is particularly notable given his struggles in 2023, when he failed to medal at any World Judo Tour event. His coach has attributed his resurgence to a renewed focus on kumi-kata (grip fighting) and kuzushi (off-balancing), two areas where he had previously been vulnerable. “Aleksa has become a more complete judoka,” Ros said. “He’s not just strong—he’s smart on his feet.”