Lima’s Judo Grand Prix Closes with a Cascade of Golds and Historic Firsts
Usagevpn.com – The third and final day of the 2026 Lima Grand Prix delivered a packed schedule of finals that left the Peruvian capital buzzing with judo history. Across five weight categories, athletes from four continents claimed the top step of the podium, while the tournament’s closing ceremonies underscored the depth of international judo’s competitive landscape. For Peru, the event capped a week of elite-level competition hosted on home soil, with local athletes already having tasted bronze earlier in the tournament.
The Grand Prix series sits within the International Judo Federation’s World Judo Tour, serving as a critical platform for athletes to accumulate ranking points ahead of major championships. Lima’s inclusion on the calendar gives South American competitors a rare opportunity to perform before a home crowd at the highest level of the sport, and the 2026 edition drew a full field across every weight class.
The Men’s -90kg Final: Macedo Completes a Lima Trilogy
Rafael Macedo of Brazil entered the final against Mihail Latisev with something to prove — and something to celebrate. The match ended decisively when Macedo landed a waza-ari that flowed seamlessly into an osaekomi pin, producing a waza-ari-awasete-ippon finish. It marked his third Grand Prix gold medal won in Lima, a streak that cements his status as one of the most dominant competitors in the -90kg division over recent seasons.
The medals were presented by Dr Zsolt Szöverfi, a member of the International Judo Federation Medical Commission, who joined the podium to congratulate both finalists.
Women’s -78kg: Niemeyer’s Breakthrough Gold
In the women’s -78kg final, Mathilda Sophie Niemeyer delivered a performance that will define her career. Facing the more seasoned Fanny Estelle Posvite, Niemeyer executed a clean throw that transitioned directly into a hold-down, scoring a waza-ari followed by a yuko on the scoreboard. The result secured her first-ever World Judo Tour gold medal, a milestone that elevates her standing within the global judo hierarchy.
Ms Yuri Alvear, a member of the IJF Sport Commission, conducted the medal ceremony for this category.
Men’s -100kg: An All-Italian Showdown
The heavyweight final at -100kg became a distinctly Italian affair when Gennaro Pirelli and Daniele Accogli met for the gold. The contest was defined by tactical patience rather than explosive scoring, with both athletes probing for openings across the full duration of the bout. Pirelli ultimately edged out the victory, claiming the top spot after a battle of attrition that rewarded composure over aggression.
Mrs Louisa Agius Galea, a member of the IJF Executive Committee, awarded the medals to the Italian finalists.
Women’s +78kg: Souza Extends Her Gold Streak
Olympic champion Beatriz Souza stepped into the +78kg final against Asya Tavano with the weight of expectation on her shoulders. Souza answered that pressure by holding her ground through the contest and claiming another World Judo Tour gold, further extending her record as one of the most decorated athletes in the heavyweight women’s division. Her ability to convert Olympic pedigree into sustained tour-level success continues to set a benchmark for the category.
Mr Vladimir Barta, Head Sport Director of the International Judo Federation, presented the medals in this category.
Men’s +100kg: Antoniou’s Historic Counter
The day’s most electrifying moment came in the +100kg final, where Giannis Antoniou of Cyprus unleashed a massive counter-attack that produced an ippon and silenced the arena. The score represented not only his personal first Grand Prix gold but also the first such medal for Cypriot judo at this level of competition — a breakthrough that will resonate across the island’s small judo community for years to come.
Mr Carlos Zegarra, Vice President of the International Judo Federation, officiated the medal ceremony.
Peru’s Home-Crowd Moment
While the gold medals belonged to athletes from Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Cyprus, the Peruvian judo community carried its own source of pride through the tournament. A brilliant bronze medal earned by a local competitor on the opening day gave home fans a tangible connection to the event and reminded the audience that the country’s judo programme continues to produce athletes capable of competing at the very top of the international circuit.
Three days of world-class judo in Lima concluded with a blend of veteran dominance, youthful breakthroughs, and national firsts. The Lima Grand Prix reinforced its place on the World Judo Tour calendar as an event where established champions defend their status and emerging talents carve out their first marks on the global scoreboard.
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