Bellandi completes the set with long-awaited European gold

Alice Bellandi added the missing piece to her elite record at the 2026 European Judo Championships Seniors in Tbilisi. The Italian defeated Great Britain’s Emma Reid in Sunday’s final to become European champion for the first time.

For an athlete who already owns Olympic and World titles, this medal still carried special weight. It was not just another podium finish. It was the one major crown that had stayed out of reach until now.

Bellandi made it clear after the final that this result meant a lot to her. Her previous appearance had ended with heartbreak in the last second, so this gold felt like the answer to unfinished business. She described each title and each competition as something different, with its own journey and its own emotions.

Tbilisi gave Bellandi the title that had been missing.

Her approach on the day was simple but demanding. Facing opponents who know each other well after years on the circuit, she wanted to stay composed and keep her concentration even if the attacks she wanted did not come immediately. That calm, more than anything flashy, looked central to the way she handled the tournament.

Bellandi also spoke about pressure in a very honest way. In her view, it often comes more from within than from outside expectations. Managing that inner tension, and continuing to work through it, was part of what helped her perform like a champion again.

From a European perspective, the final between Bellandi and Reid underlined the depth of top-level talent on the continent. But this day belonged to the Italian, who now stands at the top of Europe as well.

There was also a lighter detail in her reaction: Bellandi said she still has not won the Italian national title. After finally capturing this major prize, though, her first step is simply to let the moment sink in before turning toward the next goal.

Source: EJU_News