 |
| Majlinda Kelmendi on the podium after winning the medal |
In the final - for the 52 kg category - Majlinda Kelmendi defeated the Russian Natalia Kuziutina, after defeating the Swiss Fabienne Kocher in the second round, the Polish Karolina Pienkowksa in the quarterfinals and the French favorite Amandine Buchard in the semifinals.
That of Majlinda Kelmendi is the first gold medal of Kosovo in these European games, while for the judoka it is the third seasonal award following the victories obtained in the Grand Prix of Tel Aviv and in the Grand Slam of Dusseldorf.
"It was a difficult but good day and in the end, everything ended for the best because I won a gold medal. For me, as well as for my coach and for my country, these are the second European Games and I brought home medals for the second time.
Today all the opponents were strong, especially in the semifinals and in the final. My opponent in the semifinals was Amandine Buchard who is currently the number one in the world and who wins medals in every competition she takes part.
The best moment of the day? Definitely the final. I already knew I had won a medal but I wanted more, for me the silver is not the same feeling as the gold because when you have silver you see someone else with gold "- said Majlinda Kelmendi after winning the gold medal.
Majlinda Kelmendi's wins:
28 gold medals in the Olympics, world championships, European, and Grand Slams.
5 silver medals in world championships, and Grand Slams.
6 bronze medals in world championships, European championships, and Grand Slams.
"Through judo I became someone. I never did it for the money, I didn't do it because I wanted to become famous; I do judo because I feel it, it makes me feel good, it makes me feel special."