Athlete of the Week – Judoka Daniel Natea

Daniel Natea won gold in the 100kg+ category

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România Internațional, 01.03.2016, 13:10

The European Judo Union last weekend scheduled the European Open in Prague. It was an all-male competition, given that a womens version of the European Open was concurrently hosted by the Polish capital Warsaw.

Quite a few Romanian judoka were among the protagonists of the Prague competition. In the 73 kilogram category, Robert Papp Florian defeated Israels Evgeniy Sholos through ippon. However, the Romanian judoka sustained a defeat by Ukraines Artem Homula, also through ippon. In the 81 kilogram category, Elemer Szocs was defeated in his first match against Italian Massimiliano Carollo, while Cristian Bodarlau lost to Kazakh judoka Adlet Missin. In the 100 kilogram category, Valentin Radu grabbed a win over Slovak contender Matej Hajas, but was then defeated by Italian opponent Giuliano Loporchio.

The big feat occurred in the 100 plus category since Romanias Daniel Natea walked away with gold, winning the final against Russian challenger Soslan Bostanov, again through ippon. Nateas buildup towards the final included wins in the games against Icelands Thormodur Jonsson, also through ippon, against the French Hamza Ouchani and Mongolian Temuulen Battulga.

Here is what Daniel Natea told the site of the European Judo Union, immediately after winning the final, Today I feel really fine, since its been six months since I last won a medal, so here I am today, walking away with gold, and with 100 points that go with the medal. Now I can carry on with my training for the Olympic Games..

Daniel Nateas noteworthy feat in Prague prompted Radio Romania International to designate the young judoka the Athlete of the Week.

Our top-flight judoka was born on April 21st, 1992 in the central Romanian town of Sibiu. He took up judo when he was 10. Year after year he made a step forward in his career, constantly climbing up in international rankings. Daniel Natea currently ranks 14th in the world standings of the 100+ kilogram category.

(Translated by E. Nasta)