The -57 kg final was one of the highlights of the opening day, as Eteri Liparteliani (GEO) faced Sarah Leonie Cysique (FRA). Liparteliani had arrived in Lausanne as one of the leading figures in the category. The 26-year-old Georgian is ranked third in the world. An Olympic bronze medallist in Paris in 2024, she had made history the following year by becoming Georgia’s first female individual world champion, in Budapest. A junior world champion in 2019, she continued her trajectory with the 2026 European title in Tbilisi and added five continental crowns and twelve grand slam medals, including two golds.
Final, Eteri Liparteliani (GEO) vs Sarah Leonie Cysique (FRA).
Across from her, Cysique brought the experience of an athlete accustomed to the biggest stages. Ranked fifth in the world before Lausanne, the 28-year-old Frenchwoman had won Olympic silver in Tokyo in 2021. Her 2026 season had confirmed her return to the forefront, with victory at the Paris Grand Slam, bronze at the European Championships and silver at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam. With medals at world and continental level, both individually and in teams, she had all the credentials to challenge for the title.
The final was evenly balanced, with both athletes seeking to impose their preferred grip in order to launch the powerful, highly effective attacks for which they are known. That balance held until Liparteliani unleashed a thunderous hip throw which left Cysique with no chance of escape. The Frenchwoman was sent over cleanly and landed flat on her back. It was an indisputable ippon and the reigning world champion had taken the title.
Gold medallist, Eteri Liparteliani (GEO).
Eteri Liparteliani later said, “Winning the gold medal here in the Olympic capital is a huge motivation for me. Sarah is a very tough opponent and we always have challenging battles together, so I am thrilled that I was able to come out victorious in the final.”
Bronze medal contest, Giulia Carna (ITA) vs Natalia Elkina (RUS).
Before that, Giulia Carna (ITA) faced Natalia Elkina (RUS) for one bronze medal, while Ayami Takano (JPN) met Martha Fawaz (FRA) for the other. Halfway through the first contest, Carna took the lead with a powerful sumi-otoshi for a yuko, an advantage she held until the end to secure bronze.
Ayami Takano (JPN) vs Martha Fawaz (FRA).
The second bronze medal contest became a lesson in Japanese groundwork. Controlling every point of support and defence available to Fawaz, Takano secured an immobilisation for ippon and the bronze medal.
Medals, cheques and presents were presented by Mr Klaus Glahn, Multi Olympic Medallist, including the inaugural 1964 Games, Multi World Medallist 4 time european champion, and Mr Etienne Lescureux, Member of the LOC of Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026.
Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)
