The path to the national judo team is long and demanding. It requires years of consistent training, mental strength, perseverance and the courage to continually push one’s own limits. Anyone who takes this path invests a lot – physically and mentally – and at the same time gains valuable experiences, strong communities and memories that extend far beyond their active career.
24 athletes are now ending their time in the national team squad and embarking on new paths. They have represented the German Judo Federation for many years and enriched German judo sport through their achievements, their attitude and their personality.
Anna-Maria Wagner represents this generation of athletes in a special way. As a two-time world champion, Olympic medalist and flag bearer of the Olympic Games in Paris, she embodies sporting excellence and international appeal.
Katharina Menz has determined the weight class up to 48 kg at the national level for more than a decade. Eight German championship titles between 2012 and 2023 prove their exceptional consistency. Internationally, the vice world championship title in 2022 and the Olympic bronze medal in the mixed team in Tokyo are among the greatest successes of her career.
Igor Wandtke is one of the most experienced athletes in German judo. Three participations in the Olympic Games, the Olympic bronze medal in the mixed team and his long-standing commitment as an athlete representative underline his special status. Three German championship titles and numerous international medals also impressively demonstrate his sporting skills.
Renée Lucht was one of the world leaders in her weight class for years. Three German championship titles, two gold medals at Grand Slams on the IJF World Tour and many other international podium places speak for themselves. A particular highlight of her career was certainly taking part in the Olympic Games in Paris.
Regardless of medals and placements, every athlete in this group has achieved something extraordinary and has worthy represented the sport of judo in Germany.
