By Caoilte de Barra
That’s a wrap for the 2022 European Championship. The action got underway at 11 am local time, with the senior finals taking place to close out the competition.
Ukraine and France both finished the day with three senior gold medals. Ukraine finished top of the table overall after thriving in the junior ranks. Today, Mykola Kovalenko, Artem Hashenko and Artem Melkumian were the athletes that won gold for Ukraine.
Poland’s Magdalena Czaban created history by becoming a three-time, two-weight European Champion. She has had three days of tough match-ups and had to dig deep against Germany’s Songuel Karatorak to get the nod from the judges.
France’s Nell Ariano bounced back from the World Championships in style. Edging Slovenia’s Miha Frlic in the final to take gold. He now has European medals in both Judo and MMA. Ammar Mazri and Mathilde Aschenbrenner were also on the podium for France after topping their divisions.
Norway’s Cecilie Bolander yet again showed her slick submission skills. She submitted England’s Summer Onley with her signature armbar to claim gold.
England did have success elsewhere. Unfortunately, Lisa Zimmo was unable to compete, therefore, Millie-Rae Vardy took gold. George Staines was in action for England, and he was sensational as he remained undefeated as an amateur. He showed just how high of a level he is in his bout with Ukraine’s Ivan Kurelaru.
Wales walked away with gold through Ioan Harris after he halted Habirora’s hype train. Harris submitted the Belgian knockout artist with a von flue choke.
Mosvar Ibrgimov created history for Belgium by becoming the nation’s first-ever IMMAF gold medalist.
Sweden’s Nina Nikolija Milosevic added a European gold medal to her collection. The 2021 World Champion defeated last year’s European Champion, Paulina Kontna in the bantamweight division.
Romania won gold through Alina Adriana Corbeanu, while Spain’s David Hervias became the latest breakout star from the nation.
Ireland’s sole gold medal came in the strawweight division when Kian McCarton picked up his first IMMAF win in a straight final with Ukraine’s Maksym Afanasiev.
That brings an end to this year’s European Championships. The full list of results for today can be found here, and the medal list can be found here.
