The report
In June 2026 Klaas was selected by the Dutch Judo Federation for the European Cadet Championship in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. One of six Dutch judoka, competing in the up to 50 kg class against the best cadets in Europe.
The pool phase went well. With convincing scores Klaas qualified for the quarter-final, where he faced an Eastern European opponent who would eventually take gold. It became a close contest that was only decided in golden score.
Through the repechage he still fought for bronze. Unfortunately the level there proved just a fraction too high and Klaas finished in 5th place. A fine result at a strong European Championship and valuable experience towards the World Championship.
