Just a year after snagged Olympic gold in Paris 2024, Alice Bellandi has once again etched her name in sports history. The openly LGBTQ+ judoka just clinched a World Judo Championship title in Budapest, Hungary. This win isn't just about her skill—it carries a ton more meaning given Hungary's current political climate, where Pride events are facing tough times.
A thrilling final face-off
The final match was nothing short than a nail-biter. Bellandi went head-to-head with Germany's Anna Montaa Olek, and this showdown was all about endurance and skill. In a match that tested every ounce Bellandi's energy, her win couldn't have come at a more symbolic time—it was Pride Month. It was like a real-life testament resilience and standing your ground when it matters.
Bellandi's remarkable journey
Getting that gold wasn't a walk in park either. Bellandi had fierce battles, taking on top competitors like Olympic bronze medalist Ma Xhenzhao and Slovenia's Metka Lobnik, before eventually clashing with Olek in final. Each match was a test strength and strategy, pushing Bellandi right limits.>
When she faced Olek, it was a clash strong offense and defense strategies. The four-minute regulation match was intense, with both competitors looking visibly exhausted by each reset. Each fighter got two penalties, and it felt like an edge-of-your-seat moment with both struggling avoid disqualification.>
Winning it all in overtime
Time ran out without a clear winner, so match extended Golden Score overtime—a test endurance and skill, where first score wins. The pressure was on as both Bellandi and Olek brilliantly countered each other.>
Then, at five-minute mark, Olek had step off tatami a minor injury, giving Bellandi a brief breather. Just about a minute later, at 6:02 Bellandi saw an opening. She countered Olek's Ouchi-gari attempt and secured winning point. As realization hit, she knelt on tatami, tears streaming, finally letting out pent-up emotion and exhaustion.
Resilience, triumph, and breaking barriers
This win gave Bellandi her first World Judo Championship gold, adding it her 2024 silver and 2023 bronze. She made history becoming only 2024 World Judo or Olympic champion win 2025 World Judo Championships.>
After match, Bellandi didn't shy away from praising Olek. "In this fight, she had more than me," she admitted, acknowledging her opponent's skill. Bellandi reflected on her journey too. "These are fights that are, honestly, most challenging me. Germans, me, are toughest competitors." She remembered her earlier showdown with another German judoka, Anna-Maria Wagner, who bested her 2024 World Judo Championships final.>
Bellandi didn't hold back about mental battles either, sharing, "My coach reminded me, 'Don't give up. Believe in yourself.' The sting losing just by a sliver haunted me almost every competition last year, and I knew I had give it my all." She continued, "I need challenges overcome... it's not my opponent; it's me. Biggest battle's within ourselves.">
Bellandi's win isn't just personal—it echoes inspiration many, especially LGBTQ+ community. Triumphing in Hungary, a country that recent had anti-Pride sentiments, her victory stands powerful reminder pride, resilience, and breaking barriers. It shows athletes can pave inclusive path in sports.
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