Eva Moreno, a sterling silver medalist to inaugurate the Spanish medal table in Gran Canaria

Photograph from the Royal Spanish Judo and Associated Sports Federation_Facebook channel.

Judo | European Cadet Championships 2026

Judoka Eva Moreno won a brilliant silver medal in the -48 kg category on the opening day of the 2026 European Cadet Championships. The Spanish athlete delivered a memorable performance at the Gran Canaria Arena, opening the medal count for the national delegation.

The tatami of Gran Canaria Arena Monday was a vibrant day with the start of the Campeonato de Europa Cadete de Judo 2026A continental event that brings together more than 400 promising young athletes from 41 countries. On an opening day filled with emotion and talent, the Spanish delegation found its first great heroine in Eva Moreno, who was proclaimed European runner-up in the -48 kg category after an epic performance.

A giant's path to silver

The Spanish judoka had a flawless run to the grand final. Despite not being among the top seeds, Moreno She demonstrated extraordinary determination and technical skill, overcoming opponent after opponent on the mat. The pinnacle of her career came in the semifinals, in a grueling match against the Italian. Aurora MontalbanoThe duel extended beyond regulation time, being decided in a Golden Score of more than three minutes which kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. With a decisive yuko, the Spaniard secured her place in the gold medal match, unleashing euphoria in the arena.

In the final, fate brought her together with the Polish player. Nina PodymskaIn a highly demanding fight, the rival of Moreno He managed to score a waza-ari first, and then sealed the match with an ippon that gave him the continental title. Despite the defeat in the final bout, the medal of silver won by Eva Moreno This represents a resounding success for grassroots judo in Spain and the first medal for España in this championship.

Gran Canaria, epicenter of European judo

With this metal, España inaugurates its medal table at a prestigious event, organized by the Real Federación Española de Judo y Deportes Asociados (RFEJYDA) by delegation of the European Judo Union (EJU) and with the collaboration of Federación Canaria de JudoThe competition will continue throughout the week in Gran Canariawhere the rest of the national team will look to follow in the footsteps of Moreno and add new triumphs for Spanish sport in front of its home crowd.