The new Judo Academy at Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre and Bethlehem Community Centre won two bronze medals at the 2024 National Judo Championship.

The competition was held in Rotorua, the national technical director for Judo New Zealand, Zane Lightfoot, said.

Lucas Russell competed in the Under-50kg senior boys’ event and Denis Cernat fought in the Under-28kg junior boys’ event, winning bronze medals each.

Micah Lightfoot also competed, losing his bronze medal fight.

Russell faced a tough division but defeated his first opponent with a foot sweep combination, scoring a whole point.

“His second-round match was a must-win to reach the medal rounds, and he succeeded by pinning his opponent in ground fighting,” Lightfoot said.

“Russel then entered the semifinal against the eventual gold medallist. He lost this match, which placed him in the repechage fight for bronze.

“It was a very back-and-forward fight, with both players having scores go, but he eventually secured the win with a skilled piece of ground fighting.”

Cernat competed in the Junior Boys Under-28kg division, winning his first tough match by executing two solid throws and a hold-down to secure the victory.

“He got an eventual finalist up next and lost in quick time,” Lightfoot said.

The fight for bronze was next.

Cernat scored a half point with a leg sweep early on but narrowly avoided being swept himself.

After some groundwork, he finished strong with a decisive hold-down, securing the bronze medal.

Lightfoot had a formidable first-round opponent. He got pinned early in the match but managed to escape the hold. With one second left, he extended the match.

He made strong-standing throws to pull the match back but could not put his opponent away.

Late in the match, Lightfoot got pinned again, and this time, because of the previous half point, he didn’t have long enough to escape.

“His bronze medal match was tough. After a brutal first fight, his leg sweep attempt was countered, leaving him in fifth place,” Lightfoot said.