Arce and Ibáñez to Spearhead Spanish Judo Team at Tbilisi Paralympic Championships
TBILISI, GEORGIA – September 18, 2024 – A formidable Spanish judo team, led by decorated paralympian Marta arce and silver medalist Sergio Ibáñez, is set to compete at the Paralympic Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, this Friday and Saturday. The team represents a blend of seasoned experience and rising talent, poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Marta Arce, a four-time Paralympic medalist – most recently securing a bronze medal in the -57 kg J2 category at the Paris 2024 Games – continues to demonstrate her enduring prowess as she embarks on a new Paralympic cycle.She will be a key figure alongside Sergio Ibáñez, who is aiming to reclaim his peak form after a period of recovery.
ibáñez earned a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021) and underwent surgery following the Paris Games to address an injury. his return to competition last month at a tournament in Giza,Egypt,proved triumphant,resulting in a bronze medal in the -70 kg J2 division – a strong indication of his renewed competitive edge.
Rounding out the Spanish team are Íñigo Gerbolés, returning to international competition with his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics; Norberto Tuñón, a martial arts veteran who competes despite being visually impaired; and promising young judokas Rodrigo Suárez and María Campos, both having excelled in lower-category competitions and identified as future stars of Spanish Paralympic Judo.
The team will be supported by Judo technician Marina Fernández of the Fedc and coach Álvaro gavilán. The Tbilisi Championships represent a crucial possibility for the Spanish team to assess their progress and build momentum as they look ahead to future Paralympic Games.
Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for updates throughout the Championships!
