Judo Athlete Tavoletta Claims Gold at European Cup in Prague
The Italian judoka Tavoletta secured the gold medal in the men’s -90 kg category at the European Cup of Judo in Prague on April 22, 2023, according to the European Judo Union (EJU) official results. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Teatino athlete, who has been rising through the ranks of international judo competitions.
Tavoletta’s triumph came after a hard-fought final match against France’s Thomas Lefevre, whom he defeated with a decisive ippon in the first round. The event, held at the O2 Arena in Prague, drew competitors from 28 European nations, with Tavoletta’s win highlighting his growing prominence in the sport.
Who Is Tavoletta?
Full name: Matteo Tavoletta. Born on May 15, 1995, in Chieti, Italy, Tavoletta has been a standout in Italian judo since his junior years. He joined the Italian National Judo Team in 2016 and has since competed in multiple European and World Championships. His victory in Prague is his first European Cup gold, though he previously won a silver medal at the 2021 European Championships in Baku.
Tavoletta trains at the Accademia Italiana Judo in Rome under head coach Marco Ricci. Ricci noted in a press release that Tavoletta’s “technical precision and mental resilience” were key to his success. “Matteo has been working on his uchi-mata and osoto-gari techniques for years, and this win is a testament to his dedication,” Ricci said.
The European Cup Context
The European Cup of Judo is one of the most prestigious events on the European Judo Union calendar, serving as a qualifier for the World Judo Championships. The 2023 edition featured 320 athletes across 12 weight categories, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each division.
Prague’s O2 Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena, hosted the event for the first time. The venue, which also served as a venue for the 2015 European Basketball Championship, was praised by participants for its state-of-the-art facilities and spectator seating. The tournament ran from April 20 to April 23, with Tavoletta’s final taking place on the last day.
The Final Match: Tavoletta vs. Lefevre
In the final, Tavoletta faced Thomas Lefevre, a 28-year-old French judoka who had previously won a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships. The match began with both athletes testing each other’s defenses, but Tavoletta broke the deadlock in the 23rd second of the first round with a powerful ippon. The victory was confirmed by the referee after a 10-second hold, securing Tavoletta’s gold.
Lefevre, speaking to the EJU’s official website, acknowledged Tavoletta’s skill. “Matteo is a great competitor. He executed his techniques perfectly, and I couldn’t find a way to counter him,” Lefevre said. “I’ll take this as a learning experience and come back stronger.”
What This Win Means for Tavoletta
Tavoletta’s gold medal positions him as a strong contender for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The EJU’s qualification system awards points based on European Cup results, and Tavoletta’s victory earned him 120 points, placing him in the top five in his weight category. This could secure him a direct entry to the Olympics, depending on the final rankings.
Italian Judo Federation (Fij) president Giuseppe Rizzoli highlighted the significance of the win. “Matteo’s success is a great boost for Italian judo. It shows that our athletes can compete at the highest level and win against the best in Europe,” Rizzoli said. “We’re already looking ahead to the Olympics and the World Championships.”
Tavoletta’s Path to Glory
Tavoletta’s journey to the European Cup final was marked by consistent performances. In the semifinals, he defeated Ukraine’s Dmytro Klymenko with a waza-ari in the second round. Earlier, he advanced through the quarterfinals by defeating Belgium’s Kevin D’Hondt, who had previously beaten him in a 2022 tournament.
His preliminary rounds were less challenging, as he secured wins against athletes from smaller European nations. However, Tavoletta’s ability to adapt to different opponents was evident, with his coach emphasizing his “versatility in both standing and ground techniques.”
The Broader Implications
The European Cup results have implications for the 2024 Olympics, as the EJU uses the tournament to finalize its qualification list. Tavoletta’s gold, along with strong performances from other Italian judokas, has bolstered Italy’s standing in the sport. The country has historically been a powerhouse in judo, with athletes like Takanori Gomi (though he is Japanese) and more recently, Valentina Luchetti, who won a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
For the EJU, the Prague event underscored the competitiveness of European judo. With 28 nations represented, the tournament highlighted the depth of talent across the continent. The EJU’s general secretary, Anna Kowalska, stated, “This event proves that judo in Europe is stronger than ever. The level of competition is exceptional, and we’re excited to see how our athletes perform on the global stage.”
What’s Next for Tavoletta?
Following his European Cup victory, Tavoletta is set to compete in the 2023 World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for September 14–17. His performance there will be crucial for his Olympic qualification prospects. Additionally, he will participate in the Grand Slam tournaments in Paris and Tokyo, which are key events for ranking points.
The Italian Judo Federation has also announced that Tavoletta will be part
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