South Africa’s sensational Judoka’s Geronay Michaela Whitebooi and Charne Griesel will be both pleased with their performances at the Africa Judo Open where they both secured gold medals in their respective categories in Cameroon.
The 2022 Momentum gsport Awards Ministerial Recognition of Excellence winner Whitebooi took Yaounde by storm claiming first against Burundi’s Signoline Kanyamuneza in the -48kg category.
Reflecting on yet another incredible feat, Michaela posted on Instagram:
“Count your blessings. They blossom from your resilience to keep pushing through all the obstacles placed in front of you!!! Thank you, Sensei William, for your ongoing support on and off the judo mat.”
Africa Gold Medalist Judoka in -48kg Category, Michaela Whitebooi
“Thank you to everyone else who always supports no matter the outcome. I really appreciate your love throughout my journey. One step closer to reaching my goal. PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES!!!”
Griesel withstood the challenge to beat Cameroonian Marie Celine Baba Matia into the silver medal position in the -52kg division, with Senegal’s Lea Buet and Mozambique’s Jacira Ferreira sharing the bronze medal position.
These results are crucial and all the participants have one eye firmly on qualifying and booking a ticket to the looming Paris Olympics coming up in 2024.
Tournaments like the African Judo Open are crucial in accumulating points, to positively influence world rankings.
However, in order to get direct qualification, the likes of Whitebooi – a Commonwealth Games gold medallist – and Griesel will need to work even harder to gain more points between now and June 2024.
With seven African Junior and Junior Cups and seven Opens being held in different areas of the continent during the year of 2023, the African Judo Union has given African judokas maximum opportunities to earn points for Olympic qualification and world ranking.
In the -63kg category, three ladies from Cameroon took the podium spots, not leaving room for anyone to take their shine in their own backyard. Congratulations to gold medallist Etoua Biock Audrey Jeannette, Adjoans Nguele Gratiana took second as Emeyene Siad Bolaga Lucie Josephe wrapped up the podium finishers.
Full Results of the African Judo Open in Yaounde, Cameroon
-48kg Women
1. Michaela Whitebooi
2. Signoline Kanyamuneza
-52kg Women
1. Charne Griesel
2. Marie Celine Baba Matia
3. Lea Buet
3. Jacira Ferreira
+78kg Women
1. Monica Sagna
2. Ikram Bensalem
3. Richelle Soppi Mbella
-78kg Women
1. Georgika Wesly Djengue Moune
2. Hafsa Yatim
3. Ange Ciella Niragira
3. Daina Carinne Kemadjou
-70kg Women
1. Assmaa Niang
2. Laetitia Vittoria Dikoum Minyem
3. Zita Ornella Biami
-63kg Women
1. Audrey Jeannette Etoua Biock
2. Gratiana Adjoans Nguele
3. Lucie Josephe Emeyene Siad Bolaga
-57kg Women
1. Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne
2. Jeanne Louise Nkou Mballa
3. Kevine Laure Gadjeu Pouaha
Main Photo Caption: Charne Griesel withstood the challenge to beat Cameroonian Marie Celine Baba Matia for gold in the -52kg division, with Senegal’s Lea Buet and Mozambique’s Jacira Ferreira sharing the bronze medal position. Photo: Judo Africa
Photo 2 Caption: 2022 Momentum gsport Awards Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award winner Michaela Whitebooi took Yaounde by storm claiming gold over Burundi’s Signoline Kanyamuneza in the -48kg category. Photo: Judo Africa
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
