Bruno de Denaro clinched the top spot, while Elisabetta Puddu secured third place, Asia Bordon took fifth, and Adriano Bronzin finished ninth. These notable results were achieved by the Under 15 athletes of the Dlf Yama Aarshi Udine team at the sixteenth edition of the City of Lavis Judo Trophy, held in Palavis, Trento.
In the 55 kg category, Bruno de Denaro showcased remarkable skill, winning all five of his matches. His victories came against Francesco Scanca (Judo Calcinato), Gioele Minichini (Pro Recco Judo), Riccardo Bridi (Ippon Academy), Marco Mancini (judo Vanzago), and Lorenzo Tavelli (Forza and Costanza).
Elisabetta Puddu, competing in the 44 kg U15 category, fought her way to third place. After defeating Silvia Capretto (Center Parma) and Giulia Strano (Judokarate Club),she faced a setback in the semi-final against Flora tabacchetti (Atletico Alexandria). However, she bounced back to triumph over Maria Sole Ascari in the bronze medal match. Meanwhile, Asia Bordon secured fifth place in the 52 kg U15 category with three wins and two losses, and Adriano Bronzin finished ninth in the 46 kg U15 category, earning one victory and two defeats.
the tournament proved to be a demanding yet rewarding experience for the athletes. It provided valuable opportunities for competitive practice, allowing them to refine their skills and gain experience in high-pressure matches. For those passionate about judo, such events are crucial for growth and development.
Exclusive Interview with Judo Legend Fabio Basile: Insights on the City of Lavis Judo Trophy
Moderator: Welcome, Fabio Basile, to our platform! As an Olympic gold medalist and one of Italy’s most celebrated judokas, your outlook on the sport is invaluable. Today, we’re diving into the results of the 16th edition of the City of Lavis Judo Trophy, where the Under 15 athletes of the Dlf Yama Aarshi Udine team showcased outstanding performances. Let’s start with Bruno de Denaro,who clinched the top spot in the 55 kg category with five consecutive victories. What are your thoughts on his performance?
Fabio Basile: Thank you for having me! Bruno’s performance was nothing short of impressive. winning all five matches in a single tournament requires not only technical skill but also mental resilience. He faced a diverse set of opponents, each with their own strengths, and maintained composure throughout. This kind of dominance at such a young age is a clear indicator of his potential.
Moderator: I agree. His ability to adapt to different opponents stood out. Do you think this level of consistency is something young judokas can train for,or is it more innate?
Fabio basile: It’s a mix of both. consistency comes from rigorous training and understanding the fundamentals of judo, but ther’s also an element of mindset that plays a crucial role. Young athletes like Bruno seem to have the ability to stay focused under pressure, which is something coaches like myself emphasize during training.
Moderator: Moving on to Elisabetta Puddu, who secured third place in the 44 kg U15 category. She faced a tough semi-final loss but bounced back to win the bronze medal. How important is the ability to recover from setbacks in judo?
Fabio Basile: It’s absolutely critical. Judo is as much a mental sport as it is physical. Elisabetta showed remarkable maturity in regrouping after her semi-final defeat and coming back stronger.That’s the hallmark of a true competitor. In my career,I’ve learned that losses are lessons in disguise,and it seems like she’s already embracing that mindset.
Moderator: do you think tournaments like the City of Lavis Trophy provide the right platform for young athletes to develop this resilience?
Fabio Basile: Absolutely.These tournaments are essential for growth. They allow young judokas to experience high-pressure situations, test their skills against diverse opponents, and learn to handle both victory and defeat. For many, it’s their first taste of competitive judo, and it sets the foundation for their future careers.
Moderator: asia Bordon and adriano Bronzin also represented the dlf Yama Aarshi Udine team, finishing fifth and ninth, respectively. What advice would you give to young athletes who may feel discouraged by not placing higher?
fabio Basile: I’d tell them to focus on the journey, not just the result. Judo is a marathon, not a sprint. Even the greatest champions started somewhere.Asia and Adriano should take pride in their efforts and use this experience as motivation to improve. Every match, win or lose, is a step forward.
Moderator: Well said. as someone who’s been at the pinnacle of the sport, what would you say to the next generation of judokas like Bruno, Elisabetta, Asia, and Adriano?
fabio Basile: I’d say to stay hungry, stay humble, and never stop learning. Judo is a sport that teaches discipline, respect, and perseverance. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and always strive to be better. The future of Italian judo looks shining with talents like these.
Moderator: Thank you, Fabio, for sharing your insights and wisdom. To our readers, what are your thoughts on the performances of these young judokas? Do you think tournaments like the City of Lavis Trophy are essential for nurturing future champions? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
For full results of the 16th City of Lavis Judo Trophy, click here.
