Athlete of the Week on RRI – Judoka Alex Bologa

Alex Bologa won bronzein the judo event at the Rio Paralympic Games

Florin Orban, 13.09.2016, 12:58

One of the most important sporting events right now is the 15th edition of the Paralympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a major competition addressing athletes with disabilities. This year the competition is running over September 7 and 18.

Representing Romania are a total of 12 athletes in six events. Romania has already scooped a medal in judo. Alex Bologa won the bronze in the 60-kg category last Thursday, after defeating Henry Borges of Uruguay in the bronze final by ippon. In the round of 16, Bologa knocked out Lee Minjae of South Korea, while in the quarterfinals he edged out Mouloud Noura of Algeria, the defending world champion. In the semi-finals Bologa lost to Makoto Hirose of Japan.

For his remarkable performance in Rio, we have designated Alex Bologa Athlete of the Week on RRI.

This years edition of the Paralympic Games was the first for 20-year-old Alex Bologa. At the same time he was Romanias first visually impaired representatives in the judo event. He took up judo 6 years ago. He has been training for the Paralympic Games with the Romanian womens national team in Poiana Brasov, central Romania, coached by Geanina Andreica and Tamas Gergely.

Alex Bologa lost his sight at the age of six, and at present is enrolled in two faculties.

According to Prosport news agency, Alex Bologas bronze medal in the Rio Paralympic Games has earned him a 15,000-euro award.

(Translated by V. Palcu)