The countdown to the European Judo Championships Juniors Bratislava 2025 continues and it is history in the making, the first time the event comes to Slovak soil. At the heart of this moment stands Patrícia Tománková, one of the brightest rising star in the country, who is ready to take her place on the tatami not only as an athlete but as a symbol of what Slovak judo has become.

For Patrícia, the chance to compete at home is nothing short of special. “I see it as a great opportunity. We have never had such an event in Slovakia before and I am really looking forward to it.“ What makes it even more meaningful is that her journey is not a solitary one. This year, she is preparing side by side with her brother Jozef and cousin Lenka, both of whom will also compete. “We spent the whole preparation together and that means a lot to me,” she adds.

Cadet Europeans 2024 © Gabi Juan

EYOF 2023 © Gabi Juan

The prospect of competing in front of family, friends and a home crowd could easily weigh heavily but Patrícia shrugs off the nerves. “I would say I am used to the pressure, so I definitely feel more motivated. It is only my first year in the junior category, so I try not to put too many demands on myself but I will do everything to become European champion for the third time in a row,” she shares referring to her double cadet European titles won in 2023 and 2024.

Her preparation has been meticulous. Much of her year has been tailored towards this single moment, culminating in a three-week training camp in Japan. “I prepare fully for every top event but of course the junior European Championships have been my main focus. Japan was an incredible experience.”

While Patrícia is already carving out her own name, her rise has been shaped by a circle of support. She is quick to credit her father, her Japanese coach, and above all, her brother Jozef. “He always helps me and I am incredibly grateful for him. At first I struggled a lot with pressure and stress before competitions but he guided me through it, and now I can manage it myself.”

Preparation in Japan © Patrícia Tománková

Preparation in Japan © Patrícia Tománková

Speaking of stress and pressure, Patrícia shares her coping skills that keeps her focus and sharp when she steps onto the tatami, : “It helps me to think only about my opponent and isolate myself from the fact that people are watching. That’s when I perform best.”

Now, of course, medals matter. “Gold would be best. Still, my main goal is to perform my best,” Patrícia admits. Yet, it is not just the podium that drives her. The daily grind is what defines her: “It is everyday work, no matter what is happening. The whole point of getting better is working on it every single day. Even when I am tired, in a bad mood or injured, I still try to improve in some way.”

On Thursday, 4 September when Patricia will walk out to the field of play to compete in the -48kg category, she hopes to inspire others. “I think we can definitely help popularise judo in Slovakia, especially if we get some results. I want young judoka to cheer for all of us and see that Slovakia also has great judoka worth watching.”

When a picture speaks a thousand words… Patricia with friends, family and members of the Slovak Judo Federation. © Kostadin Andonov

And five years from now? “I hope I will remember the unforgettable atmosphere. Competing at home will bring a lot of emotions. I hope it will be an experience for the rest of my life, and I want to remember it only positively.”

This September in Bratislava, the Slovak junior team won’t just be fighting for medals, they will be carrying the pride of a whole nation behind them.

Author: Szandra Szogedi