The Las Vegas World Judo Championships Veterans 2024, held from 4th to 7th November, witnessed exciting judo action in the M4 (45-49) and M5 (50-54) categories. Participants showcased skill and sportsmanship, impressing Mohamed Meridja, IJF Education and Coaching Director, with their exemplary behavior and high level of judo education. Meridja highlighted how these veteran judoka serve as role models, bridging the gap between elite competition and grassroots judo.
Competitors from Brazil, Mongolia, Serbia, France, USA, and other nations claimed gold medals, demonstrating their dedication and passion for judo. The event not only celebrates sporting excellence but also emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations.
As the championship nears its end, with women (F 1-9) and M2 men set to compete, the spirit of camaraderie and skill development among judo veterans continues to shine. This event serves as a platform for mutual learning and growth within the global judo community, fostering a legacy of respect, sportsmanship, and lifelong dedication to the sport.
Men’s result
M4 -60kg category
1. Cristian CEZARIO (BRA) 2. Yann AUSSIBAL (FRA) 3. Hubert SWIECH (GER) 3. Carlos SORDO (USA)
M4 -66kg category
1. Chinzorig SONOMDAGVA (MGL) 2. YANN CALARNOU (FRA) 3. Michael YEE (CAN) 3. Sebastian VINAYA (ARG)
M4 -73kg category
1. Milos MIJALKOVIC (SRB) 2. Bahjet HAYEK (BRA) 3. Rakhat ISKAKOV (KAZ) 3. Gavrila FORD (USA)
M4 -81kg category
1. Rodrigo SANTANA (BRA) 2. James HORNSBY (GBR) 3. Bastien MAYET (FRA) 3. Christopher SMILEY (CAN)
M4 -90kg category
1. Marcel DE ARAGAO (BRA) 2. Peterson MELLO (BRA) 3. Joao SANTOS (POR) 3. Ruben MENDOZA MARIN (ESP)
M4 -100kg category
1. Gregory CAUSERO (FRA) 2. Grzegorz BOROWIEC (POL) 3. Antonio BOLOTO (POR) 3. Zauri BADALOV (KAZ)
M4 +100kg category
1. Gabriel NOGUEIRA (USA) 2. Chinzorig BUD (MGL) 3. Bayarkhuu ODSUREN (MGL) 3. Aurel GAVRIS (ROU)
M5 -60kg category
1. Patrice DE LAVAU (FRA) 2. Sofiane DJADRI (FRA) 3. Ermanno AGOSTINI (BEL) 3. Tim TAKAHASHI (CAN)
M5 -66kg category
1. Marcio BARBOSA (BRA) 2. Krzysztof CZUPRYNA (POL) 3. Stuart YAMATAKE (USA) 3. Leandro BORGES (BRA)
M5 -73kg category
1. Cesar ROCHA (BRA) 2. Wagner OLIVEIRA (BRA) 3. Steven PEERSMANS (BEL) 3. Francisco RODRIGUEZ (PUR)
M5Â -81kg category
1. Abedias TRINDADE DE ABREU (NCL) 2. David BABISE (FRA) 3. Claudio REPETTO (ARG) 3. Bugvi POULSEN (FRO)
M5 -90kg category
1. Shaun Mark MITTY (GBR) 2. Heiko KOCH (GER) 3. Denison SOLDANI SANTOS (BRA) 3. Antony SAYERS (GBR)
M5 -100kg category
1. Ahmed Hellal CHERRAK (CAN) 2. Robert KRAUSE (GER) 3. Christopher HOHMANN (USA) 3. Glauber ARAGAO (BRA)
M5 +100kg category
1. Alexsi DAVITASHVILI (GEO) 2. Ochirbat TSEND-AYUSH (MGL) 3. Jens Peter BISCHOF (GER) 3. Michael PRIEDITIS (USA)
Photographs by Tamara Kulumbegashvili