TAMPERE, Finland — Canadian Youssef Youssef captured a gold medal Saturday at the European Cup judo competition.
It was one of three medals won by Canadians in the event.
Youssef beat Finland’s Otto Koponen by ippon in the under 60-kilogram final. It was Youssef’s first international title in that division at the senior level.
"It’s a big step for me," Youssef said in a statement. "I got more confident fight by fight, and I was aggressive enough to win.
"The guy I took on in the finale was very solid, but I wanted it more. I really wanted to win."
Darren Dequan Elcock was fifth with one win and two losses.
In women’s action, Canadians Audree Francis-Methot and Erin Morgan captured silver and bronze medals in the under 48-kilogram class. Leonida Sheffield was fifth.