Sunday sparks in Warsaw: Szulik, Raicevic and Vellozzi finish on top

The Warsaw European Open 2026 wrapped up with a fast, physical Sunday, and three European judoka walked away with gold: Poland’s Szymon Szulik in -81 kg, Montenegro’s Novo Raicevic in -90 kg, and France’s Ophélie Vellozzi in -57 kg. Different stories, same destination—standing on the top step after a weekend that demanded focus as much as power.

In Warsaw, grip battles and mindset shifts mattered as much as big attacks.

For Szulik, the toughest part wasn’t the final—it was simply getting through the early rounds. He pointed to the first three fights as the most stressful, when one mistake can end your day before things even settle. Two long matches against left-handed opponents also tested him physically, forcing him to grind before the bracket opened up.

By the time the final arrived, Szulik looked composed and in control. He credited that feeling to familiarity: he trains often in left-handed match-ups because his brother also fights that way. For him, everything started with gripping, and he stuck closely to the tactics prepared with his coach, keeping steady pressure and managing position.

Raicevic arrived in Warsaw with momentum already built. He had won gold at the European Cup in Podgorica the week before, then went straight into the Olympic Training Camp in Nymburk. The plan for Warsaw was simple—another gold—while keeping the bigger target in mind: the European Championships in Georgia. He described his weight category as packed with strong athletes, where staying ahead means constantly doing more.

One area he highlighted was ne-waza, which he said he trains heavily. In his view, groundwork can be decisive for controlling a contest, especially once you’re leading. But to use it well, he stressed maturity and mental clarity—knowing exactly what you’re doing in each second.

Vellozzi’s gold carried a personal message too. She underlined how crucial her semi-final was, where the outcome swung at the very last second with Ippon. Beyond the medal itself, she sees the Warsaw result as proof that she belongs at Grand Slam and Grand Prix level—and that medals there are within reach.

Three European champions left Warsaw with confidence, not just hardware.

Source: EJU_News