Austria’s 17-member European Championship team finished the nations ranking in 18th place out of 47 nations. Finally, after two unsuccessful European Championships, Shamil Borchashvili was able to claim the bronze medal again. Two further placements (5th Lubjana Piovesana, 7th mixed team) rounded off the overall result.
Judo Austria head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch thought for a moment before she began a comprehensive summary of the European Championships; her relief was evident: “We are satisfied and relieved. Firstly: After two zeros at the European Championships, we won a medal for the first time since 2021. I am personally pleased for Shamil Borchashvili/-81 that after the Olympic and World Championship bronze, he has now also won the European Championship bronze. It’s remarkable how he really gets everything out of himself during the day. Second: Also noteworthy was Lubjana Piovesana’s fifth place/-63. It is only a matter of time before she wins her first medal for Austria at a major event. And thirdly: 7th place in the mixed team is the best team placement since I have been responsible for Judo Austria. What can also be said: It was nice to see how well Laura Kallinger and Carina Klaus-Sternwieser sold at their first European Championship appearance. That also gives hope. It is obvious that we are now focusing all our attention on the Olympics in Paris. Part of the top team (including Polleres) is flying to Dushanbe on Wednesday.”
President Martin Poiger was also relieved: “We didn’t start with the best team – that is, without Michaela Polleres, Aaron Fara and Thomas Scharfetter. Nevertheless, we got a medal. This is just right for us before the two highlights, the World Cup and the Olympic Games. Of course, you will only be billed after Paris. We want to win at least one medal there too. The European Championship itself had a top-class cast and the atmosphere in the hall was good. The last four days have made me want to go to Abu Dhabi and Paris.”
2024-04-28 18:31:43
#highlights #Judo #Austria
