Blandine Pont proves her class at U52kg with Tbilisi gold

Blandine Pont proved that courage to change can bring success. The French judoka captured her first IJF World Tour gold medal in the U52kg category at the Tbilisi Grand Slam, a breakthrough moment after moving up a weight class.

Pont was visibly satisfied with her performance, explaining that her focus was simple: trust herself and fight her own style. “I just tried to be myself and do my judo,” she said afterwards, highlighting the confidence she is building in her new division. She also praised her coaching team, emphasising how important their constant support has been during the transition. She was injured for two years with twice knee problems. “I had to accept that and I had to continue to believe in myself.”

The victory adds another important chapter to an already strong career. Pont previously won Grand Slam gold in Paris and Tel Aviv in 2023 and also topped the podium at the Grand Prix in Zagreb in 2021. She earned European silver in Zagreb in 2024 and collected multiple Grand Slam bronze medals in Paris and Tbilisi earlier in her career.

Away from the tatami, Pont combines elite sport with her profession as a qualified dentist, showing her discipline both inside and outside competition. She is also part of one of judo’s well-known couples, sharing her life with Italian Olympic medallist Manuel Lombardo.

Her gold in Tbilisi could mark an important turning point. Moving weight categories is never easy, but Pont’s success shows she is quickly adapting. With confidence growing and results already following, the French judoka looks ready to become a serious contender in the U52kg division.

Sometimes the biggest victories start with the decision to change.

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