Italian judoka Alice Bellandi captured the European Championship gold medal in the women’s -78 kg division on April 27, 2024, delivering a dominant performance in Zagreb, Croatia, to secure her first continental title at senior level. The victory marks a significant milestone in Bellandi’s rising career and reinforces Italy’s growing presence in elite women’s judo on the international stage.
Bellandi, 24, defeated Slovenia’s Metka Lobnik in the final with a decisive ippon scored just over two minutes into the match. The win came after a series of controlled performances throughout the day, including victories over top-seeded opponents such as France’s Madeleine Malonga and Germany’s Anna-Maria Wagner, both former world medalists. Her path to gold showcased not only technical precision but as well mental resilience under pressure.
The European Judo Championships, held at the Arena Zagreb, brought together over 300 athletes from 45 nations competing across 14 weight categories. Bellandi’s triumph contributed to Italy’s overall medal haul of four golds and seven total medals at the event, placing the Azzurri third in the medal table behind Georgia and France.
“This gold means everything,” Bellandi said in her post-match interview, her voice still tinged with emotion. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment. To win here, in front of such a passionate crowd, against such strong competition — it’s a dream come true.” Her remarks were echoed by Italian national team coach Giovanni Casale, who praised her tactical discipline and ability to adapt mid-match. “Alice didn’t just win her bouts; she dictated them,” Casale noted. “She read her opponents, adjusted her grip, and executed with precision. That’s championship judo.”
Bellandi’s journey to the podium began months earlier with a strong showing at the Paris Grand Slam in February, where she earned bronze after defeating world number two Inbar Lanir of Israel. That result signaled her readiness to compete at the highest level, a form she carried into Zagreb. Her victory in Croatia now positions her as a serious contender for medal honors at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she will represent Italy in the -78 kg category.
The -78 kg division has historically been one of the most competitive in women’s judo, featuring athletes known for their power, technical variety, and tactical acumen. Past European champions in this weight class include legends such as Lucija Polavder of Slovenia and Audrey Tcheuméo of France. Bellandi’s win adds her name to a growing list of Italian athletes breaking through in a category traditionally dominated by Eastern European and French competitors.
Her success also reflects broader investments in Italian judo over the past decade, including expanded youth development programs and increased funding for high-performance training centers in Rome and Lombardy. The Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM) has prioritized athlete support systems, including access to sports science, nutrition, and mental conditioning — factors Bellandi credited in her post-event remarks. “Having the right team behind me makes all the difference,” she said. “It’s not just about what happens on the mat; it’s about the preparation, the recovery, the belief.”
Looking ahead, Bellandi’s next major assignment is the Olympic qualifying period, which runs through June 2024. She is currently ranked within the top five in the International Judo Federation (IFF) world rankings for her weight class, a standing that all but guarantees her Olympic berth barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. Her focus now shifts to maintaining peak condition while refining specific techniques ahead of the Games.
For fans and followers of Italian sport, Bellandi’s gold medal serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark. It highlights the depth of talent emerging from Italy’s combat sports programs and underscores the potential for continued success on the continental and Olympic stages. As the judo world turns its attention toward Paris, Alice Bellandi stands ready — not just as a medal hopeful, but as a genuine threat to stand atop the podium.
The next confirmed checkpoint in Bellandi’s campaign is the World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for May 19–25, 2024. There, she will aim to test her form against the global elite in a final major tune-up before the Olympics. Archysport will continue to provide verified, in-depth coverage of her journey as the Olympic Games approach.
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