“Que se esfuercen al máximo para cumplir sus sueños y que den todo por aquello que quieren,” said 14-year-old judoka Brian Gribaudo after capturing a continental title. Following his triumph at the South American Judo Championship in Lima, Peru, the young athlete from Sanagasta was received at the Government House by Ricardo Quintela.
Governor Quintela Receives the Continental Champion at Government House
Ricardo Quintela met with Brian Asael Gribaudo on Tuesday in La Rioja to congratulate the teenager on his gold-medal performance in Lima, Peru. The provincial leader praised the young judoka’s dedication and hard work, pointing to him as an inspiring example for the youth of La Rioja while reaffirming the provincial government’s ongoing support for athletic development across the region.
The official reception also brought together local leadership, including Sanagasta Luis Flores and provincial deputy Federico Sbiroli. Reflecting on the journey required to reach the top of the podium in Peru, Deputy Sbiroli noted the backing from the state. Sbiroli remarked that state assistance was essential in enabling the young athlete to make the trip abroad and secure the title.
Brian began practicing judo at the age of six. His career progressed through local, provincial, and interclub tournaments where he earned the title of provincial champion before stepping up to national and international competitions. This year, his resume expanded significantly when he secured a bronze medal during his debut appearance at the Argentine Judo Championship held in San Juan.
Preparation for the Panamerican Championship in Cancún
Building on his success in Lima, Gribaudo earned a selection spot through the National Training Center to compete in the upcoming Panamerican Judo Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in November in Cancún, Mexico, where the 14-year-old will represent Argentina.
The athlete continues his preparation at the Judo Municipal Sanagasta. There, he trains under the guidance of sensei Héctor Javier Rojas, a third-dan instructor who brings two decades of coaching experience within the department. Sensei Rojas highlighted the demanding nature of his student’s training regimen and expressed high expectations for the upcoming trip to Mexico, noting that the young competitor aims to bring home the championship trophy.
Reflecting on his progression from the opening events in San Juan to the heights of international competition, Gribaudo described the South American tournament as an intense and challenging environment. Competing against representatives from multiple countries provided a demanding test before he ultimately broke through to claim the gold medal and secure his ticket to Cancún.
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