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Guilherme Schimidt Wins Third Grand Slam Gold in Budapest

Guilherme Schimidt, representing Brazil, secured his third Grand Slam gold medal in the -90 kg category at the Hungary Grand Slam 2026. Facing off against Boris Rutovic from Serbia in the final, Schimidt showcased his skill and determination, ultimately winning the match with a perfectly executed seoi-otoshi throw.

Entering the competition as the world number nine, Schimidt had previously achieved notable success, including silver medals at both the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam and the Qingdao Grand Prix, as well as bronze medals at the Tbilisi Grand Slam and Lima Grand Prix. His opponent, Rutovic, ranked fifteenth among seniors, had a remarkable breakthrough season, having won his first Grand Slam title earlier in the year.

The final match was intense, with Schimidt receiving two penalties that put him under pressure. However, with less than a minute remaining, he executed a timely throw that was initially awarded a waza-ari, which was later upgraded to ippon, sealing his victory. This win not only adds to his accolades but also marks his first Grand Slam title in the -90 kg category, a transition he made after recovering from surgery.

Expressing his emotions after the match, Schimidt stated, "I am very happy as it has been a year since my surgery and my move to the -90 kg category. Winning my first -90 kg Grand Slam title here in Budapest, where I previously won at -81 kg, makes me feel extremely grateful. This is my fifth time in Budapest and my third medal here; I love the crowd's energy and truly feel at home." He emphasized that moving to the -90 kg category was about adapting and seizing international opportunities, especially given Brazil's strong roster in judo.

In the bronze medal contests, Mihail Latisev from Moldova faced Astemir Abazov from Russia, with Latisev taking the bronze after scoring multiple waza-ari points. Meanwhile, Lachlan Moorhead from Great Britain secured the second bronze by executing a forward kata-guruma throw against Yahor Varapayev from Belarus.