From March 8th to 10th, the world judo elite will meet at the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix in the Linzer Tips Arena. Around 600 judoka from 80 nations will fight for valuable qualification points for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 at the 3-day event. Austria’s hopes rest on Michaela Polleres and the Borchashvili brothers Shamil and Wachid.
OO. Only five months until the Olympic Games in Paris – the World Tour event offers Austria’s judoka the opportunity to collect valuable world ranking points for the highlight of the season. “The more points you have, the higher the probability of being seeded at the Olympics,” said Michaela Polleres, who came second at the Grand Prix in Linz behind world number one Sanne Van Dijke (up to 70kg). If the silver medalist from Tokyo 2020 wants to win in Linz, then there is no way around the strong Dutchwoman. “As preparation for the Olympics, it’s good to fight against the strongest competitors. Last year I couldn’t compete in Linz due to an injury. I’m looking forward to the many spectators and the good atmosphere – and hope for a top placement.”
Borchashvilis aim for the final
The men’s starting field is no less attractive. With world champion Francisco Garrigos (up to 60kg) and double Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek (+100kg), two absolute top stars will be on the mat. Austria’s judo figurehead Shamil Borchashvili, who won the premiere last year, will be there. His younger brother Wachid Borchashvili also has hopes of a top spot. “In judo, it really depends on the state of the day. At some point I want to be at the top of the home Grand Prix, a medal is definitely the goal.”
“Not yet where we belong”
At the personnel level, the Austrian Judo Association announced the contract extension of head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch. The Athens 2004 Olympic champion will remain on board until the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. “We have already set the bar very high for ourselves with the Olympic medals for Michaela and Shamil. But we are still not where we belong. We want to bring the young, up-and-coming guard step by step up to world-class level.” 34 athletes from Austria – nine of them from Upper Austria – will take part in the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix. International attention is guaranteed, the three-day event will be broadcast on TV worldwide.
program
Friday, March 8th: “Lightweight Friday”
Women’s classes: -48, -52, -57 kg
Men’s classes: 60, -66 kg
Saturday, March 9th: “Austrian Saturday”
Women’s classes: -63, -70 kg
Men’s classes: -73, -81 kg
Sunday, March 10: “Heavyweight Sunday”
Women’s classes: -78, +78 kg
Men’s classes: -90, -100, +100 kg
Day passes (20 euros), event passes (all three competition days, 40 euros) and VIP arrangements can be booked on judoaustria.at.
2024-02-29 10:01:16
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