Riga, Latvia – German judoka enjoyed a successful weekend at the European Cup in Riga, Latvia, securing three bronze medals in senior competition. Jana Ziegler, Nele Noack and Martin Setz all reached the podium, showcasing the strength of the German program. The competition, held March 21-22, 2026, saw athletes from across Europe vying for top honors. While the Grand Slam in Tbilisi, Georgia, didn’t yield any placements for German competitors, the results in Riga offer a positive outlook for the team as they continue their competitive season.
Ziegler’s Triumphant Return
Jana Ziegler, competing in the -57 kg category, marked a significant comeback after a year-long hiatus due to injury. After receiving a first-round bye and winning two subsequent matches, Ziegler found herself in the semi-final. Despite a loss there, she battled fiercely for the bronze medal, ultimately securing the win after two minutes of fighting with a combination of Yuko and Ippon techniques. This bronze represents a major milestone in her recovery and return to form.
Noack’s Resilient Performance
Nele Noack faced a challenging start in the -70 kg division, losing her opening bout against the eventual pool winner. This setback sent her to the consolation round, where she demonstrated remarkable resilience. Noack won three consecutive fights to claim the bronze medal, proving her determination and skill. Her performance highlights the depth of talent within the German judo team.
Setz Secures Bronze in Competitive -66 kg Class
Martin Setz likewise earned a bronze medal in the highly competitive -66 kg weight class. He began with a strong showing, winning three fights to advance to the semi-final. Although he lost in that round, Setz refused to concede defeat, fighting his way to the bronze medal match. After three minutes of intense competition, he executed a decisive Ippon throw, securing his place on the podium.
Mixed Results for Other German Competitors
While Ziegler, Noack, and Setz celebrated success, other German athletes faced tougher competition in Riga. Noel Schmidt, competing in the -73 kg category, won his first fight after a bye but was ultimately eliminated after a subsequent loss. Charlotte von Leupoldt also did not place, losing in the pool final after a first-round bye and failing to advance in the consolation round. These results underscore the challenging nature of international judo competition.
Grand Slam Tbilisi: Challenges and Comebacks
At the Grand Slam in Tbilisi, Georgia, three German judoka made their return to competition. Erika Abramov, also making a comeback after a lengthy absence, won his opening match but was defeated by Saba Inaneishvili of Georgia, who later secured a bronze medal. Nicole Stakhov and Tim Schmidt both lost their initial contests and were eliminated from the tournament. Despite the lack of podium finishes, the Tbilisi Grand Slam provided valuable competitive experience for the German team.
Looking Ahead
The German Judo Federation is also looking ahead to administrative matters. According to a recent announcement, the deadline for submitting nominations for awards is July 31, 2026, with the Honorary Council meeting scheduled for August 27th to review the submissions. A workshop on press relations is also planned for April 18th in Babelsberg.
The results from the Riga European Cup and the Tbilisi Grand Slam demonstrate the ongoing development of German judo. The successes of Ziegler, Noack, and Setz, combined with the competitive experience gained by other team members, provide a solid foundation for future competitions. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the international stage.
Next Up: The German Judo Federation will hold a workshop on press relations in Babelsberg on April 18th. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the German judo team’s progress throughout the season.
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