Gahié’s New Weight-Class Test Lights Up a Wild First Day in La Nucía

Day one of the European Open in La Nucía had the kind of energy judo fans know well: sudden swings, emotional returns and matches that changed in an instant. With medals decided across seven categories, the opening session on the Costa Blanca kept moving between control and chaos.

One of the biggest talking points came from Marie-Ève Gahié. The French Olympian and former world champion, long known as one of the top names at -70 kg, stepped out in a different division this time and competed at -78 kg.

That alone was enough to grab attention around the arena. Moving up a category is never a small detail, and Gahié admitted it was not easy. Still, she left with a bronze medal and a smile, saying she enjoyed fighting in the new weight class.

Naturally, her appearance raised immediate questions. Was this a one-off test, or the beginning of something more permanent? Gahié did not give much away, keeping the mystery alive and pointing instead to the reality of France’s deep internal competition, especially in a strong category like -78 kg.

Marie-Ève Gahié changed divisions and still left with a medal.

While Gahié’s move drew plenty of attention, the sharpest twist of the day came in the men’s -66 kg final. Kazakhstan’s Nurmukhamet Botabay looked close to defeat against Ari Berliner of the United States for almost the entire contest.

Then everything flipped in the last moments. With only four seconds left, Botabay attacked with tomoe-nage and moved directly into juji-gatame, catching Berliner in a dramatic finish that completely reversed the outcome. It was the kind of ending that reminds everyone how brutally fast judo can change.

Afterwards, Botabay stayed calm and focused, making it clear that the Olympic Games are already part of his thinking. The performance itself said a lot: under pressure, with almost no time left, he found a way.

Europe’s younger athletes also had strong moments on the opening day, especially in the men’s -73 kg category. Irakli Goginashvili of Great Britain, the reigning junior European champion, fought his way to silver. Sweden’s Narek Vardanian also made a deep run and secured bronze after losing to Goginashvili in the semi-final.

Their results added another reminder that the next generation is not waiting quietly in the background. They are already stepping into senior events and making real impact.

Germany also had a notable storyline through Eduard Trippel. The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist returned to competition after last appearing at the 2025 World Judo Championships. His comeback ended early, but his presence added another layer to an already eventful day.

By the end of the first day, the Netherlands sat on top of the medal table with two golds and one bronze. Germany were second with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals, while France held third with the same medal total as Germany but fewer fifth-place finishes.

There is still more to come in La Nucía, but the first day already delivered what this level of tournament does best: unexpected turns, fresh questions and a few moments that stayed in the air long after the final bow.

Four seconds were enough for Botabay to turn the -66 kg final upside down.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union