The 2025 Gold Coast Oceania Open wrapped up in spectacular fashion, as the second and final day of competition saw the heavier weight divisions take centre stage and deliver world-class performances. Athletes from across Oceania and beyond treated the Gold Coast crowd to thrilling judo, with Australia, Finland, and Chinese Taipei among the standout nations.
Men’s Divisions
Finland’s Eetu Ihanamäki opened the day with a composed gold in the –81 kg category, defeating Dominic Rodriguez (USA) in the final. Johan Silot (USA) and Keishin Ochi (AUS) rounded out the podium, each earning bronze, giving the host nation its first medal of the day.
In the –90 kg division, the USA continued its strong form with Alexander Knauf taking gold ahead of Noah Walliss (NZL). Australia’s Danny Vojnikovich and Peng-Yu Chen (TPE) earned bronze.
The –100 kg final saw Oliver Barratt (GBR) claim Great Britain’s first gold of the tournament, overcoming Chino Sy (PHI). Jack Rigby and Axel Nightingale gave Australia another double-bronze finish.
In the +100 kg category, Finland added another gold courtesy of Martti Puumalainen, defeating Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi (AUS) in a gripping final. The USA’s Philip Horiuchi and Uganda’s Akira Nakajima completed the podium.
Women’s Divisions
Australia’s Aoife Coughlan delivered a dominant performance to take gold in the –70 kg division, overcoming Yu-Jung Liao (TPE) in the final. Rachael Hawkes (GBR) and Moira de Villiers (NZL) shared bronze, highlighting the category’s international depth.
In the –78 kg division, Maria Swan (AUS) thrilled the home crowd by capturing gold, with Shu Huei Hsu Wang (TPE) taking silver and Chieh-Hsi Wang (TPE) and Alannah Joyce (AUS) earning bronze medals.
The women’s +78 kg division capped off the weekend with Sydnee Andrews (NZL) securing gold, ahead of Helena Vukovic (CRO), while Urszula Hofman (POL) and Ling Fang Chang (TPE) took bronze.
Final Medal Standings
After two action-packed days, Chinese Taipei topped the medal table (2 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze). Croatia finished second (2–2–1), Finland placed third (2–2–0), and Australia fourth (2–1–7).
With an electric atmosphere, exceptional sportsmanship, and memorable performances from emerging and elite judoka alike, the 2025 Gold Coast Oceania Open once again demonstrated the global appeal of the sport. The event highlighted that Australia is well positioned to continue delivering high-calibre international judo events, supported by world-class facilities, experienced organisers, and a passionate community driving the sport forward.