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Despite schedule chaos: Marie Branser from Leipzig wins first tournament for Guinea
Marie Branser (SC DHfK Leipzig/Mitte) with her new team from Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
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Leipzig. Competitions in Africa always have surprises in store. The Leipzig judoka Marie Branser can tell you a thing or two about it – but nothing can throw her off track. The 30-year-old started for the Republic of Congo in 2019, but because of the organizational chaos there and the tendencies towards corruption, she managed to change nations again in autumn 2022. Now the Saxon is stepping on the tatami for Guinea – after a year and a half break she has won the first two tournaments for the West African country.
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After successes in Senegal and Cameroon, the light heavyweight from SC DHfK is starting the new year with a tailwind. For 2023, the Olympic participant in Tokyo expects 15 to 18 international tournaments.
Branser fights through
Her very first competition presented the Leipzig native with a huge challenge. “It was supposed to start at 10 a.m. I had just put on the judo suit and was about to start my specific warm-up when I was called to the first bout at 9:25 a.m.
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It was her turn five minutes later. The opponents were no less surprised by the new schedule. But the nervousness of the Leipzig native increased immeasurably. After all, she wanted to show her best side in the first fight for Guinea – and she lacked any competitive rhythm. “It was hard for me to get in, but I fought my way through. Things went much better in Cameroon.” Two victorious fights were enough for her tournament success, her new team was very satisfied.
Marie Branser is currently preparing in Austria for the Grand Prix in Portugal and the Grand Slam in Paris in early February. The year 2023 is decisive for qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
