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Linz, Austria – Ziv Sherer, a 20-year-old judoka with dual Austrian-Israeli citizenship, has quickly made an impact on the international stage, recently competing for Austria for the first time at the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix. Sherer’s journey to representing Austria is rooted in his family history – his Austrian grandmother, Ada, is the reason for his eligibility. The halflightweight fighter, now a member of LZ Multikraft Wels since January, received clearance to compete for Judo Austria just last week, and wasted no time making his presence felt.
Sherer’s debut on the World Tour, held in Linz, saw him secure two impressive victories. He defeated Ali Popalzai, a member of the IJF Refugee Team and an Olympic competitor, and followed that up with a win against the Netherlands’ Jochem Van Harten. The combined fight time for these victories was 10 minutes and 33 seconds, a strong showing for a newcomer. While a top-eight finish ultimately eluded him due to a third-round loss to Petros Christodoulides of Cyprus, his performance was widely praised.
The young judoka’s commitment to representing Austria extends beyond the mat. Currently residing in Haifa, Israel, Sherer is preparing for a move to Linz. Starting in June, he plans to balance his athletic pursuits with academic studies, enrolling in a business program while simultaneously training with the Judo Austria national team at the Olympiazentrum Oberösterreich. This move signals a long-term dedication to competing for his adopted nation.
“I enjoyed being able to compete on the IJF World Tour for the first time. But, of course, I would have hoped for more than two wins,” Sherer said, offering a balanced assessment of his performance. His coach, ÖJV Sport Director Markus Moser, echoed a positive sentiment, stating, “Ziv fought very respectably; he can be more than satisfied with his GP premiere. Of course, he still lacks international experience,” as reported by Judo Austria.
Sherer’s path to joining the Austrian national team wasn’t immediate. According to the European Judo Union, he became a member of the LZ Multikraft Wels club in January and received clearance to compete for Austria just last Monday. This relatively quick transition highlights the eagerness of Judo Austria to integrate a promising talent into their program.
The upcoming schedule for Sherer includes the European Open in Dubrovnik, Croatia, slated for the end of March. This competition will provide another valuable opportunity to gain experience and refine his skills against international competition. His participation underscores Austria’s growing presence on the international judo circuit.
Beyond his athletic ambitions, Sherer is also focused on integrating into Austrian life. He will begin intensive German language courses this summer, recognizing the importance of communication with his teammates. Despite the language barrier, he has already mastered a crucial phrase: “Ich starte für Österreich” – “I compete for Austria.” This simple declaration encapsulates his commitment to his new national team.
The story of Ziv Sherer is more than just a sports narrative; it’s a story of family connection, embracing a new culture, and pursuing athletic excellence. His early success and dedication suggest a bright future for this rising star in the world of judo. The combination of athletic talent and academic ambition positions Sherer for success both on and off the mat.
His next confirmed competition is the European Open in Dubrovnik, Croatia, at the end of March. Fans can follow updates on his progress through the official Judo Austria website and the International Judo Federation website (https://www.ijf.org/).
