France’s Blandine Pont faced Israel’s Gefen Primo for the -52 kg title, in a final that brought two athletes together, with very different paths but equally strong credentials. Pont, 27, has made a successful transition from -48 kg, where she first revealed herself through three successive grand slam victories, in Paris, Tel Aviv and Antalya, in 2023. A European silver medallist in 2024, she arrived in Lausanne ranked 12th in the world and with five grand slam titles already to her name. Her 2026 season has been particularly impressive, with victories at the Tbilisi and Astana grand slams confirming both her rapid adaptation to the -52 kg specialism and her status as a major medal contender in the category.
Primo, 26, brought a wealth of experience to the final. Ranked 15th in the world before Lausanne, this judoka had won world bronze in Budapest in 2021 and collected five individual continental medals, including a European title. Her World Judo Tour record includes three grand slam victories, one silver medal and seven bronze medals. She has also been in strong form in recent months, taking bronze at the Tbilisi Grand Slam after a bronze medal at the Guadalajara Grand Prix of 2025.
Final, Blandine Pont (FRA) vs Gefen Primo (ISR).
Right-handed Pont and left-handed Primo neutralised each other throughout normal time, with one shido apiece sending them into golden score. It was a committed contest between two judoka who excelled in both attack and defence. After a minute of additional time, each received a second penalty, placing them both under pressure. Primo appeared to have slightly more left in the tank physically and Pont’s third shido proved decisive. The French judoka had given everything but Gefen Primo claimed the gold medal.
Final, Blandine Pont (FRA) and Gefen Primo (ISR).
Gefen Primo spoke happily after the final, “I’m so happy. I really missed this feeling. Winning gold isn’t like bronze or going home empty-handed. Lausanne is amazing too. I’ve already been for ice-cream by the lake three times! The stadium atmosphere was incredible, almost like a world championships. Now it’s a hunt for points to take as many wins as we can. I’m happy to add this gold to my collection.”
Bronze medal contest, Rin Takeuchi (JPN) vs Ariane Toro Soler (ESP).
The bronze medal contests brought together Rin Takeuchi (JPN) and Ariane Toro Soler (ESP), followed by Sugdiyona Rafkatova (UZB) and Rafaela Rodrigues (BRA). With a subtle change of direction, Toro Soler scored a yuko to take bronze at Takeuchi’s expense.
Bronze medal contest, Sugdiyona Rafkatova (UZB) vs Rafaela Rodrigues (BRA).
The second bronze medal contest went into an exhausting golden score period, Rafaela Rodrigues (BRA) eventually prevailing on penalties after drawing deeply on her reserves. It was the first grand slam medal of her career.
Medals, cheques and presents were presented by Mr Thomas Bach, Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee, and Mr Sergei Aschwanden, President of the Swiss Judo Federation, Olympic Bronze Medallist & Multiple Medallist at the World & European Championships.
Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)
