By Sarah Dyce
Day two of the Glasgow 2026 judo competition delivered the sport in all its frenetic glory, with explosive throws, hard-fought groundwork and contests decided by the finest of margins.
Saya Middleton (-63kg), Keishin Ochi (-81kg), Aoife Coughlan (-70kg) and Danny Vojnikovich (-90kg) each took to the tatami, navigating a day where timing, grip and tactical nous proved just as important as strength.
Making her way to the final on her Commonwealth debut in the women’s -63kg, Middleton fought hard against world number 73 Laurence Biron for all four minutes before the bout moved to golden score. In an unlucky finish, the Canadian walked away with gold after Middleton was penalised at the five-minute mark.
“I’m a bit disappointed about the final, but I think I’ve come a long way and I’m very happy to be walking away with a medal,” said Middleton.
“I think it’s been a long day and I’ve had a lot of fun. I really just got to give it my everything.”
With her brother Vas Middleton watching on after making his own Commonwealth debut yesterday in the men’s 55kg division and placing fifth, the silver medal carries ‘a little more weight’.
“I’ve been able to do all the things with him, open my uniform and get prepared.
“I think we really help bring each other up. We’re training partners most of the time, so it’s really great to be able to do this with him.”
Securing Australia’s second medal of the evening in the judo competition within the space of 25 minutes, Keishin Ochi claimed bronze by ippon in just over three minutes against India’s Harsh Tokas, ranked 29th in the world.
The West Australian showcased his tactical skills, circling his opponent and waiting for the moment to strike.
Danny Vojnikovich took to the mat in the men’s bronze medal match in the -90kg category against home-crowd favourite Scotland’s Scott Cusack. Moving through to golden score, Vojnikovich held out against deafening roars from the crowd, but after close to six minutes, the 21-year-old eventually placed fifth after accumulating one too many penalties.
In what was one of the most anticipated events of the judo program, the women’s -70kg category finally took centre stage, with defending Birmingham champion Aoife Coughlan giving it her all against England’s Kelly Petersen-Pollard.
In an exhaustive 8:17, the Victorian eventually claimed silver on her second showing at the Games.
Judo has now contributed five medals to Australia’s tally, with three silver and two bronze. With one day left of competition and still more action to come from Hall Four at the SEC, it’s set to be a showstopping day of judo to close out the Games in Glasgow.
