Just days into her fifteenth year, Soukayna Moreira (Judo Club Stroossen / Sportlycée, WRL 42) competed at her first U18 World Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, under the guidance of national U15/U18 coach Arnaud Grisier.

Making her first appearance in the cadet -52 kg category, she faced Kazakhstan’s Fatima Supygaliyeva, then ranked World No. 3, in the very first round. Supygaliyeva won by ippon and went on to win all of her bouts that day, claiming the U18 World title. As the competition rules only allow repechage from the quarter-finals onwards, the Luxembourg judoka’s journey came to an end in the opening round.

An early exit, but a valuable experience for her continued development. “A very promising season for what lies ahead. Congratulations on all the work you have put in!” said Arnaud Grisier.

Well done, Soukayna! 👏🇱🇺