Montréal, November 15, 2025 – British Colombia’s Carla Van Zyl made a lasting impression at the Panamerican Cup in Montreal on Saturday. The junior-aged athlete prevailed in the senior under-63 kg category, an even more remarkable achievement considering she usually competes in the under-57 kg weight class.
er gold medal was one of four won by the Canadian team, with Julien Frascadore (-66 kg), Félix Mercier-Ross (-73 kg) and Coralie Godbout (-78 kg) also emerging victorious. No fewer than seven other Canadians took third place on the podium on this penultimate day of competition: Catherine Toshkov (-63 kg), Frédérique Lavigne (+78 kg), Vincent Nepton (-60 kg), Luke Thomson (-66 kg), Sébastien Fecteau (-66 kg), Fahd Fithane (-73 kg) and Justin Lemire (-73 kg).
Earlier on Saturday at the Zagreb Grand Prix in Croatia, veteran Arthur Margelidon lost his opening bout in the under-81 kg category.
Unfazed by facing older athletes, 18-year-old Carla Van Zyl admitted she was proud of the game plan she adopted before each duel.
“I began the day not thinking about the fact that I was competing in a senior tournament. I had a job to do, and for me, it was just a normal day at the office. It wasn’t about the age category: it was about judo. I wanted to give everything I had in my last fight,” declared the young athlete, who defeated American Karlee Carrouth in the final.
In her penultimate bout of the day, Van Zyl defeated her compatriot Miguela Ngombi, who was then bested by Britain’s Sunny Doig in the bronze medal match. The other bronze medal duel, an all-Canadian affair, saw Catherine Toshkov prevail over Dilana Gesa.
“This is an important step in my career. I learn so much at every tournament, so today’s result is like a boost in the right direction,” concluded Van Zyl, who was satisfied with her performance, but felt it did not surpass her seventh-place finish at the recent Junior World Championships.
On the men’s side, Julien Frascadore and Félix Mercier-Ross remained undefeated in Montréal. While the former’s victory came as no surprise, having won his first Grand Prix a few weeks ago, the latter’s triumph was not as predictable.
Mercier-Ross was able to savor his first international gold medal in the senior ranks before family and friends who had gathered in the stands at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center.
“It was so much fun! Since I wasn’t battling a Canadian opponent, I had the whole crowd behind me. It was amazing! It was great to celebrate my victory with family and friends,” enthused the Quebecor, who edged out Britain’s Daniel Pacitti in the final.
The eventual gold medalist started slow out of the gates, but recovered as the fight progressed.
“I felt pressure and stress because it was my first senior final,” added the 21-year-old. “I persevered and faced adversity throughout the day, but I managed to surpass myself. This shows that I belong in Canadian judo and I’m on the right track. It just motivates me to push on and keep winning, and it’s the first step towards the Grand Prix tournaments.”
Quebec’s Fahd Fithane and Justin Lemire also won bronze medals in the same event.
Julien Frascadore triumphed over American Jaboc Yang in the -66 kg final. Meanwhile, Luke Thomsonsecured bronze by defeating Dylan De Jesus, as did Sébastien Fecteau, who got the better of Daniil Kremerman.
The Montreal Panamerican Cup will conclude on Sunday with the presentation of the women’s -48 kg, -52 kg and -57 kg categories, as well as the men’s -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg divisions.
Over in Zagreb, John Jr Messé A Bessong will take part in the over-100 kg competition, where he will square off against Guinea’s Moustapha Fofana in the first round.
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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
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