El Akari-Las Nieves Makes History with First-Ever Women’s Judo Bronze at Final Four
Madrid, Spain — June 15, 2024 El Akari-Las Nieves secured its first-ever medal at the 2024 Women’s Judo Final Four, winning bronze in the team event and marking a historic breakthrough for Canarian judo. The victory elevates the club to Spain’s judo elite and underscores the rapid development of judo in the Canary Islands, according to the Spanish Judo Federation and club officials.
How the Canarian Club Defied Expectations to Claim Bronze
El Akari-Las Nieves entered the Final Four as the lowest-ranked team in the field, seeded seventh after qualifying through regional tournaments. Their bronze medal campaign began with a 4-1 defeat to eventual champions Judo Club Madrid in the semifinals, where they lost two of three matches in the under-70kg and under-78kg categories.
In the bronze medal match against Real Club Judo Barcelona, the Canarian team turned the tide with a 3-2 victory. Key performances included a dominant 100-0 win by Lara Gómez (under-57kg), who secured an ippon in just 47 seconds, and a hard-fought 5-4 victory by Sofía Márquez (under-63kg) after a controversial referee decision.
According to match officials, the turning point came when Natalia Ruiz (under-70kg) scored a waza-ari in overtime to give El Akari-Las Nieves the lead. “This medal means everything for our athletes,” said Coach Javier López, head of the women’s program, in a post-match interview. “We’ve been working for years to get to this level, and today we proved that Canarian judo belongs at the national stage.”
What This Victory Means for Spanish Judo’s Future
The bronze medal is El Akari-Las Nieves’ first at the Final Four since the tournament’s inception in 2018. For context, the club has historically focused on youth development, with only 12% of its athletes competing at national senior events before this season, according to internal club records. This year’s breakthrough aligns with a broader trend: Spanish judo’s participation rates have risen 22% since 2020, driven by regional academies like El Akari-Las Nieves.
Analysts note the medal could accelerate funding for Canarian judo programs. The Spanish Judo Federation has already allocated an additional €150,000 to regional development following the club’s performance, according to federation spokesperson Carlos Mendoza. “This is a model for how grassroots clubs can compete at the highest level,” Mendoza said. “El Akari-Las Nieves didn’t just win a medal—they changed the narrative about what’s possible outside traditional judo hubs like Madrid and Barcelona.”
Key statistic: Before this season, no Canarian club had ever medaled at the Final Four. The closest previous finish was a fourth-place result by Judo Tenerife in 2021, which now appears as a benchmark for future Canarian teams.
Turning Points: The Matches That Defined the Campaign
The team’s path to bronze was far from straightforward. Here are the three decisive moments:
- Semifinals vs. Judo Club Madrid (4-1 loss):
- El Akari-Las Nieves lost two matches in the first 10 minutes, including a controversial shido penalty against María Fernández (under-78kg).
- Their comeback included a koka by Lucía Hernández (under-63kg) in the final minute.
- Bronze Medal Match vs. Real Club Judo Barcelona (3-2 win):
- Lara Gómez’s ippon in the under-57kg category set the tone.
- Sofía Márquez’s victory came after Barcelona’s Claudia López was penalized for a chui (grip violation).
- Natalia Ruiz’s overtime waza-ari sealed the win.
- Post-Match Reactions:
- Barcelona coach Pablo Rojas called the referee’s decision in Márquez’s match “unfortunate” but acknowledged the Canarians’ resilience.
- El Akari-Las Nieves’ athletes celebrated for over 15 minutes, with Gómez lifting her teammates onto her shoulders—a tradition at the club.
Why This Medal Could Reshape Spanish Judo’s Landscape
El Akari-Las Nieves’ success challenges the long-held assumption that Spain’s judo dominance comes solely from Madrid and Catalonia. The club’s rise is part of a larger shift in regional participation, where clubs like Judo Gran Canaria and Tenerife Judo Club have seen athlete numbers grow by 40% in two years, according to the Spanish Judo Federation’s 2023 report.
Experts point to three factors behind the club’s breakthrough:
- Targeted athlete development: El Akari-Las Nieves has prioritized women’s judo since 2021, with 60% of its senior squad now female, a higher ratio than any other Canarian club.
- Tactical adaptation: The team shifted from a defensive style to a kuzushi-focused approach mid-season, according to coach López.
- Local support: The Canary Islands government provided €80,000 in infrastructure grants this year, including a new training mat facility.
For comparison, Judo Club Madrid—the tournament’s two-time defending champion—has an annual budget of €1.2 million, while El Akari-Las Nieves operates on €250,000. Their medal proves that strategic investment, not just funding, can bridge the gap.
What Happens Next for El Akari-Las Nieves?
The club’s next major test comes at the 2024 Spanish Judo Championships, scheduled for July 12–14 in Valencia. With their newfound confidence, El Akari-Las Nieves will aim to qualify for the European Judo Championships in April 2025—a goal they previously deemed “unrealistic,” according to López.
Upcoming fixtures:
- June 22–23: Canary Islands Judo Open (home event for El Akari-Las Nieves).
- July 5–7: Pre-Championship training camp in Madrid (invitation-only).
- July 12–14: 2024 Spanish Judo Championships (Valencia).
Club officials have also hinted at potential international partnerships. “We’re in talks with the Portuguese Judo Federation about a joint training camp next year,” López said. Such collaborations could further accelerate the club’s growth.
FAQ: What Readers Are Asking About El Akari-Las Nieves’ Historic Win
1. How did El Akari-Las Nieves qualify for the Final Four?
The club earned its spot through the Canary Islands Regional Judo Championship in May, where they finished first in the team rankings. Their qualification was the first for a Canarian club since Judo Tenerife in 2019.
2. Who are the key athletes in El Akari-Las Nieves’ women’s team?
The medal-winning lineup included:
- Lara Gómez (under-57kg, ippon specialist)
- Sofía Márquez (under-63kg, known for her uchi-mata)
- Natalia Ruiz (under-70kg, tactical fighter)
- Lucía Hernández (under-63kg, reserve player)
3. Will this medal impact funding for Canarian judo?
Yes. The Spanish Judo Federation has already earmarked additional funds, and the Canary Islands government is reviewing a €500,000 five-year plan to expand judo programs across the region, according to local officials.
4. Can El Akari-Las Nieves compete for Olympic spots?
Not yet. Olympic qualification requires consistent top-10 finishes at European Championships. However, their Final Four performance has opened doors for international invitations, which could accelerate their development.
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