Coen Gilbert Takes Bronze at Cadet European Championships

Sportif judoka Coen Gilbert delivered a standout performance on day one of the 2025 Cadet European Championships in Skopje, securing a well-earned bronze medal in the -50kg category and kicking off GB’s campaign in style.

The Scottish athlete began his day in confident fashion, advancing comfortably through the round of 16. In the quarter-final, Gilbert showed composure and control, maintaining a narrow yuko lead to see out the full four minutes and book his place in the semi-final.

With a medal now in sight, Coen continued to show his determination, pushing his semi-final opponent all the way before narrowly losing out by waza-ari. The result sent him into the bronze medal match, a final chance to step onto the podium and become Britain’s first Cadet European Championship medallist of the year.

Entering the final block with renewed energy and focus, Gilbert delivered a composed and commanding performance, shutting down his opponent’s attacks and sealing his place on the podium.

This marks Gilbert’s second appearance at the Cadet European Championships and his first time claiming a medal at this event, a major milestone in his rising career.

It’s already been a standout year for Coen, with podium finishes at both the Poreč and Samorin Junior European Cups. Now, with a European Championships bronze to his name, the future looks brighter than ever.

For the rest of the GB squad, it was a day of encouraging performances and valuable learning.

Taylor Chrisp (Blyth Juno Michi) made a strong start in the -48kg category, winning her first contest by ippon in just 90 seconds. She then narrowly lost in golden score to the eventual bronze medallist in the round of 16, before exiting in the repechage rounds.

David Gheorghiu (Nippon Club London) opened with a convincing win, scoring two yukos and a waza-ari, but lost his second fight and was later defeated in the repechage.

Maisie Broadley (Wirral JC) won by a single waza-ari in a strong first match, moved into the repechage after a second-round loss, and was ultimately eliminated there.

Lexi Buchanan (Sportif) lost her opening contest by hansoku-make and was unable to progress from the repechage, narrowly losing out to a high-level opponent.

Sara Coni (Camberley JC) exited after a first-round defeat in the -44kg category, and Jack Milligan (Wirral JC) also bowed out in the opening round of the -60kg division.

Although medals did not come for the rest of the squad, there were strong performances across the team and plenty of signs that this young group is heading in the right direction!

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