Elina Sieliemienieva Secures First Karate One Grand Winner Title in Female Kumite -68kg: “It is the result of very hard work,”
Ukraine’s Elina Sieliemienieva has been crowned the Karate One Grand Winner in Female Kumite -68kg for the first time in her career after an outstanding season that concluded with a bronze medal at th
Ukraine’s Elina Sieliemienieva has been crowned the Karate One Grand Winner in Female Kumite -68kg for the first time in her career after an outstanding season that concluded with a bronze medal at the Karate One Premier League Rabat.
Her recognition as the best athlete of the season came in dramatic fashion. Entering the final day of competition in Rabat, Sieliemienieva needed to win her bronze medal bout to secure the Grand Winner award. Under pressure, she delivered a composed performance and defeated Eda Eltemur of Türkiye 2-0 to claim the medal and confirm the prestigious title.
“It is a new title. I am very happy, and I am very happy for my team, my coach, my family. It is the result of very hard work,” she said.
The Ukrainian athlete showed remarkable consistency throughout the season. After taking bronze in Rome and silver in Leshan, another podium finish in Rabat provided the points required to finish at the top of the standings.
Sieliemienieva’s path to the bronze medal in Rabat was marked by strong performances from the opening round. She topped her elimination pool after a 3-3 tie with Kanna Nagai of Japan, an 8-2 victory over Maria Isabel Nieto Mejias of Spain, and a 5-2 win against Madeleine Schroeter of Germany.
In the quarterfinals, Sieliemienieva edged Hannah Riedel of Germany 3-2 to advance to the semifinals. Her run was halted by Japan’s Tsubasa Kama, who claimed a narrow 2-1 victory, sending the Ukrainian athlete into the bronze medal contest where she ultimately secured both the medal and the Grand Winner crown.
“When I fought for the bronze medal match, I tried not to think too much about the award because I wanted to win the medal and it was my first plan.”
The bronze medal in Rabat and the Grand Winner title complete a memorable season for Sieliemienieva, who has established herself among the leading athletes in one of the most competitive divisions in international karate.