Day two of the Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 showcased the event’s stellar momentum against a backdrop of soaring temperatures. This annual judo competition is held in Faro, a city renowned for hosting Portugal’s largest motorcycle gathering.
Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 Highlights
The second day continued the high energy from the opening. With eight weight categories in the spotlight, including men’s and women’s divisions, the competition featured athletes in the following categories:
- Girls: -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg
- Boys: -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg, +90 kg
Italy had a strong start on day one, but day two saw a shift in dominance. The Italian team only managed to place one athlete, competing in the women’s +70 kg final. Conversely, Brazil made a significant impression, featuring prominently in the finals with four female finalists and one male finalist. Spain closely followed, producing three finalists in the men’s division and one in the women’s.
Rita Lourenço’s Inspiring Journey
Portugal’s Rita Lourenço emerged as a pivotal figure in the -57 kg category. After suffering a defeat in the quarter-finals against Brazil’s Gabriela Pereira, who went on to win gold, Lourenço showcased remarkable resilience. Dropped into repechage, she won over two French competitors, earning a bronze medal.
Lourenço emphasized the mental aspect of judo: “An athlete being able to overcome themselves mentally is crucial to succeed in contests.” She expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout the competition, saying, “Thank you very much. I don’t know how to thank everyone with words alone.”
Pablo Fernandez Calero’s Victory
The men’s tournament spotlight shifted to Spain’s Pablo Fernandez Calero, who triumphed in the -90 kg category. After a rocky beginning, he found his pace and secured victory while reflecting on his journey: “I started a little badly… but improved significantly in the semi-final and final.” His determination was clear as he stated, “The secret is to train, compete, and never stop until victory is achieved.”
A Sense of Community and Continuation
With the conclusion of this exciting international event, Faro bid farewell to the European cadet circuit. The two-day competition was filled with high-level judo, emotional moments, and a vibrant atmosphere. Although the event came to a close, the journey for participants will continue with a three-day training camp.
This camp will embody the spirit of Jita Kyoei, focusing on mutual welfare and benefit. Athletes from across Europe and beyond will come together to learn, grow, and further their judo skills in Faro.
