Leipzig. Four months ago the chapter of Judo national trainer for Udo Quellmalz came to an end in a very ugly way. Because the regional association had to forego a high five-figure sum in funding because of the loss of the federal base and the Olympic champion was not prepared to continue working for half of the salary, the Leipzig martial arts luminary and the judo association separated after just under a year and a half Saxony (JVS).
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Now “Quelle” is back. Children’s eyes light up when the most successful Leipzig judoka of all time steps on the mat. “I’m looking forward to my new job – in February I would never have thought it possible that I would be here again today,” said the 54-year-old, who is now employed as a club trainer at the Leipzig Judo Club. For months, the JCL board around President Matthias Kiefer had been campaigning for the return of the Atlanta golden boy from 1996. Kiefer is still convinced today “that we would have found a solution in winter if the JVS had approached us when the financing problems arose”. That was yesterday’s news, now we are looking ahead. Kiefer pulled out all the stops to create a three-year financing concept. With its partners, the JCL picks up the majority of the salary, which the city also contributes through the youth project for key sports.
Kiefer emphasizes: “The Sports Department has seen it as we have: Udo is important for our sport and for Leipzig – and therefore also for Saxony.” The know-how of the former national coach in Austria, Great Britain and Qatar should benefit the talents across all clubs.
Udo Quellmalz is alien to any kind of personality cult. He was therefore uncomfortable that so much had been talked about him since February. Ultimately, a lot of appreciation came across – and (finally) a discussion started on how competitive judo sport in Saxony can be breathed new life into. Head coach Mike Göpfert – who has also been responsible for competitive sports at the JVS in an honorary capacity since April – says: “Maybe it took this bang to get everyone to start from scratch and pull together. In any case, I am happy that Udo will continue to play judo in the region. We will use his manpower and competence. Holding such a person has radiance. “
The first official act of the JCL trainer Quellmalz was a training morning on the weekend for more than 50 children from five clubs in the Brüderstraße. “It was 33 degrees outside. The children should choose between ‘Cossi’ and a stuffy hall – and they were eager to train with us, ”says Quellmalz, who was supported on the tatami by four-time European champion and JCL legend Katja Gerber. Speaking of which: The Kiefer / Quellmalz duo is optimistic that the JCL team of instructors, Haiko Seidlitz, Markus Jähne and Roman Schulze, includes three former national trainers. It is also positive that during the pandemic only 15 of the 200 junior Judoka of the association canceled.
Quellmalz wants to be accessible to all age groups. The training can be tailored more individually by him. But he will not work miracles: “There is no great trick to win your fights. In addition to good technique, you first need a high physical level. ”And 100 percent motivation.
