Joachim Quemener secured a bronze medal for Judo Club de Bernay on Sunday, October 11, during the opening round of the Circuit Régional Minimes in Forges-les-Eaux, though the team’s campaign was overshadowed by a serious arm injury to teammate Ange Drago.
Contrasting Fortunes on the Tatami in Forges-les-Eaux
Four male judokas traveled to the regional tournament representing Bernay. Three of them competed as first-year minimes, experiencing the high competitive level of the category for the very first time. Among more than 40 competitors in the -42 kg division, Quemener carved his way through the bracket to claim third place and the bronze medal.
In the same -42 kg weight class, Kellan Tan struggled to advance past his initial pool stage. He managed one individual win before elimination. Club assessments indicated that an extra training session per week would benefit his ongoing development and future tournament performances.
Hospitalization For Ange Drago After Division Injury
The tournament took a severe turn for Ange Drago in the -34 kg category. Sustaining a hard fall during competition, Drago suffered what reports described as an impressive radius-ulna fracture. Local firefighters and the SMUR medical emergency service responded quickly to the venue, treating Drago on-site before transferring him to Rouen Charles Nicolle Hospital for surgery that same evening.
The sudden injury altered the mood inside the Bernay delegation. Quentin Harel, competing in the -55 kg bracket, felt the emotional impact of his teammate’s accident. Following a period of hesitation before stepping onto the mat, Harel qualified for the main tournament table but fell in his opening bout without losing his competitive spirit.
Club Solidarity Amid a Disrupted Season
Despite the medical setback halting Drago’s competitive year, club staff highlighted the strong team cohesion and mutual encouragement displayed by the young judokas throughout the difficult afternoon. Judo Club de Bernay extended messages of support to Drago for his upcoming convalescence and recovery as the regional circuit continues.
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