Philip Awiti-Alcaraz (-100kg) proved unstoppable as he stormed to gold with five ippon throws in five contests at the European Cup for Juniors in Berlin, Germany this weekend.

Ranked second seed for the competition, Philip eclipsed Zilvinas Lekavicius of Lithuania in the opening round with an ippon throw and then emulated that result against Georgi Setieli of Georgia and Romanian Daniel Duminica.

He then beat Nabil Machtrou of France in the semi-final before defeating Leon Strueber on his home ground of Germany to win gold.

This performance now puts him in prime position preparing for the senior World Championships later this month, where he will fight in the -100kg category in his debut year of transitioning into the senior squad.

Speaking after the event Philip said: “It feels good to win the gold medal because at my last Junior European Cup, I only managed to get a bronze medal, so to get the gold was a real confidence boost.”

GB Coach Jamie Johnson said: “Philip fought well and dominated this weight by five wins out of five, all by ippon throws and not conceding any of the scores. This was the strongest European Cup this year, with over 500 athletes from judo strong countries. This is the perfect preparation for the senior world’s and will give him a confidence boost.”

Meanwhile, Nekoda Davis (-57kg) placed fifth after losing her bronze medal contest against German Amelie Stoll. Nekoda earlier won her first four fights, but then was defeated in the semi-final against Swiss Fabienne Kocher.

Jodie Myers also finished fifth after also losing in the semi-final against Clarissa Taube of Germany and also in the bronze medal contest against Fatoumata Anne M Bairo of France.

Words by Donna Richardson. Image Courtesy of EJU.