The 19-year-old Lisa Grabner and training partner of Olympic hero Michaela Polleres showed once again at the U21 European Championship in Luxembourg that she is one of the greatest talents in the ranks of JC Wimpassing. The young judoka already has her next goal in mind.
Grabner’s path to the bronze medal was a very bumpy one. Because already in the first fight against the strong Kosovar Fationa Kasapi she suffered a forearm injury that got worse with each fight. Nevertheless, the Wimpassinger bit her way through to the Golden Score (extension), winning with a choking technique.
In round two, the Lower Austrian managed a revenge for the last European Cup encounter against the Finn Pihla Salonen. The Scandinavian was unable to free herself from Grabner’s hold. Against the Turkish Olem Yildiz, the district athlete was often a tad too late with her attack attempts and thus lost due to penalty points. With a sovereign victory in the hope round, the 19-year-old was able to qualify for the bronze fight against the technically adept Italian Veronica Toniolo, who saw no country against Lisa Grabner.
“I sometimes had severe pain between the fights. In principle, I am therefore very satisfied with my performance. I have beaten a number of opponents that I have already lost to this year, and with the European Championship bronze medal, I now have my ticket for the Junior World Championships fixed. I want to deliver again, ”said the fighter.
Note: The Junior World Championships will take place from October 6th to 10th in Olbia / Italy.
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