The 2026 Oceania Championships continued on Saturday at the MSAC Arena in Melbourne, Australia, with the shiai competition commencing through the Cadet and Junior Oceania Championships.
Following Friday’s kata competition, Day 2 saw the next generation of Oceania judoka take to the tatami, with 31 cadet athletes from six countries and 47 junior athletes from eight countries competing across the individual divisions.
Australia finished on top of the medal table in both the Cadet and Junior events, with strong performances also recorded by New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu throughout the day.
Cadet Oceania Championships
In the Cadet men’s divisions, Australia claimed gold through Baeyer Veikkanen in the -50kg division, Zechariah Navea in the -55kg division, Kaian Kelly in the -60kg division, Kai Topp in the -81kg division, and Akos Kelly in the -90kg division.
French Polynesia also enjoyed success in the Cadet men’s divisions, with Jefferson Yersin winning gold in the -66kg division and Natimoana Guilloux taking gold in the +90kg division.
In the Cadet women’s divisions, New Zealand’s Lucinda Griffiths won gold in the -52kg division. Australia added further gold medals through Lisa Caravello in the -57kg division, Ayda Ozcelik in the -63kg division, and Sarah Bailey in the -70kg division.
The Cadet competition featured medalists from Australia, French Polynesia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji, reflecting the growing depth of young athletes across the Oceania region.
Junior Oceania Championships
The Junior competition followed with another strong field of athletes from across Oceania.
In the Junior men’s divisions, Australia claimed gold through Casey Lee in the -60kg division, Angus Cormack in the -66kg division, Nikola Dobric in the -73kg division, Kyle Johnston in the -81kg division, and Akos Kelly in the -90kg division.
French Polynesia’s Almar Holozet won gold in the +100kg division, with teammate Natimoana Guilloux taking silver.
In the Junior women’s divisions, Australia’s Rio Hirose won gold in the -52kg division, Lisa Caravello claimed gold in the -57kg division, and Bianca Tandean won gold in the -63kg division.
New Caledonia also recorded a strong result in the Junior women’s divisions, with Moira Falevalu winning gold in the -70kg division and Ashley Suta Ditsaponia taking gold in the -78kg division.
Across the Junior event, medals were won by athletes from Australia, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Samoa and Vanuatu.
Junior Mixed Team Competition
Day 2 concluded with the Junior Mixed Team competition, where Australia and New Zealand faced off in an exciting contest to close the day.
Australia secured the title of 2026 Junior Oceania Championships Mixed Team Champions, defeating New Zealand 4–2.
The Oceania Judo Union congratulates all athletes, coaches, referees, officials and volunteers involved in Day 2 of the championships. The day showcased the strength of the Cadet and Junior pathway across the region and highlighted the continued development of judo throughout Oceania.
The championships conclude on Sunday with the Senior Oceania Championships and Military & Police Teams competition.