ASD G.S. Judo Terralba secured a third-place finish and valuable tournament experience during its weekend appearance at the Gran Prix Lucania in Policoro, featuring across both the cadet and junior divisions. Marica Spanu led the delegation by claiming the bronze medal in the over-78 kilograms category at the national competition, winning one of her three contested bouts on the tatami. The weekend showcase brought together developing competitors for their opening national test of the schedule. Seven athletes made the trip representing the club, entering weight classes featuring deep brackets and unfamiliar opponents from across the country.

Marica Spanu Claims Bronze After Shoulder Recovery

Marica Spanu’s podium finish in the over-78 kg division marked a competitive return following a shoulder injury sustained during the spring. Competing in a weight class above her usual division, she relied on determination and technical grit to secure the bronze medal despite dropping two of her three matches. Giovanni Spanu highlighted the physical and mental hurdles she cleared to medal in her first outing back on the national stage.

Gianluca Spanu Navigates Eighty-Athlete Bracket

Gianluca Spanu delivered one of the tournament’s most demanding performances, entering the under-73 kg category—which drew a field of 80 competitors. He opened the weekend strongly by winning his first four matches on Saturday’s cadet schedule before falling in the semifinal and final, finishing fifth overall. On Sunday, competing again within the junior division as an eligible final-year cadet black belt, he added a first-round victory before exiting in the later rounds with a 17th-place finish in the same bracket.

Cadet and Junior Divisions Test Developing Squad

Saturday’s cadet competition saw Mattia Manca compete in the under-55 kg division, exiting at the opening hurdle. In the over-90 kg category, Cristian Loi and Alessio Loi finished ninth and seventh respectively, each securing one victory across three matches. Sunday’s transition to the junior brackets brought early exits for Jacopo Atzori in the under-55 kg category and Jacopo Soddu in the under-66 kg division, both dropping their initial contests.

Giovanni Spanu Assesses the National Opener

Reflecting on the weekend results, Giovanni Spanu emphasized the growth shown by the squad against unknown opposition. He noted that while results could have improved, the athletes approached the tournament with maximum effort and concentration. The coaching staff deliberately entered senior-eligible cadets into dual age brackets to accelerate their familiarity with junior-level competition tempos and tactical demands.