After a first day shaped by soaring temperatures, day two of the Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 kept the engine running at full throttle. In a city famed for hosting Portugal’s largest annual motorcycle gathering, the action on the tatami once again matched the energy and intensity Faro is known for.
Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 © Paulo Porfírio
Faro ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup 2026 © Paulo Porfírio
With another eight categories on the programme (girls: -57 kg, -63 kg, -70 kg and +70 kg; boys: -73 kg, -81 kg, -90 kg and +90 kg), expectations were high following an exciting opening day. The heavier categories ensured there would be no drop in momentum.
Italy had dominated the opening day but Sunday presented a different picture. The Italian team managed to place only one athlete into a final, in the women’s +70 kg category.
Brazil emerged as the standout nation in the medal contests, fielding four finalists in the women’s division and one in the men’s. Spain followed closely behind, producing three male finalists and one female finalist competing for gold.
Rita Lourenço in action. © Paulo Porfírio
For the home crowd, however, one of the day’s defining moments belonged to Portugal’s Rita Lourenço in the -57 kg category. Her charge towards the title was halted in the quarter-final by Brazil’s Gabriela Pereira, who would ultimately take gold.
Dropped into the repechage, Lourenço demonstrated resilience and determination, battling back with victories over two French opponents to secure a bronze medal.
“Judo is a physical sport but it is also very mental. An athlete being able to overcome themselves mentally is very important in order to score in contests following a defeat and manage to reach a medal,” began the Portuguese athlete, adding that “this medal is not only the result of my work. It is the result of the work of many people, both in training camps and at the club.”
Clearly emotional, fuelled by the enormous support she received throughout the day, Lourenço also shared a heartfelt message with those who stood behind her:
“Thank you very much. I don’t know how to thank everyone with words alone.”
Winner of the -90 kg category, Pablo Fernandez Calero (ESP). © Paulo Porfírio
In the men’s competition, attention turned to Spain’s Pablo Fernandez Calero, who claimed victory in the -90 kg category after growing stronger with every contest.
Despite a challenging start, the Spanish judoka found his rhythm when it mattered most:
“I started a little badly. I did not feel comfortable with my judo. The first contest was very long and it was very difficult for me to win. The second was more of the same, although my judo was improving. In the semi-final and final, I felt very good, doing my judo.”
And the formula behind success?
“The secret is to train, train and train, compete, and never stop until victory is achieved.”
His ambitions for the season are equally clear:
“I hope to go to the cadet Europeans and the Worlds, and there the objective is to win a medal.”
Olympic bronze medallist, Patricia Sampaio was also on site supporting the younger generation. © Paulo Porfírio
With another successful international event concluded, Faro now begins to wave goodbye to the European cadet circuit after two days filled with high-level judo, emotional moments and an exceptional atmosphere both on and off the tatami.
The competition may be over but the journey continues. Next comes three days of training camp, where the spirit of Jita Kyoei, mutual welfare and benefit, will truly come to life, as athletes from across Europe and beyond continue learning, growing and sharing the tatami together in Faro.
Author: António da Costa
Author: EJU Media
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