VSV Judo Girls Secure Bronze at Lower Saxony State Team Championships
The youth judo program at VSV-Hohenbostel reached a significant milestone this past weekend, as its girls’ team climbed onto the podium at the U13 State Team Championships (Landes Mannschaftsmeisterschaft) in Georgsmarienhütte. Competing in a high-stakes environment against the best in the region, the squad secured a third-place finish, cementing their status as one of the top three teams in Lower Saxony.
The achievement was the result of a strategic collaboration. This season, the VSV athletes competed as part of a joint team, pooling talent with athletes from MTV Elze and MTV Vorsfelde. This partnership allowed the clubs to field a more competitive roster, a move that clearly paid off on the mats in Georgsmarienhütte on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Standout Performances and Podium Finish
Leading the charge for the joint squad were Katja Henco and Thea Teubner. The duo displayed the technical precision and resilience required to navigate a challenging tournament bracket, ultimately earning the bronze medal for their team. For the young athletes of VSV-Hohenbostel, the result is more than just a trophy. it represents a successful culmination of a rigorous qualification cycle.
While the girls celebrated their podium spot, the boys’ team faced a steeper climb. Competing in a dense and highly talented field, the boys fought through several tough bouts but ultimately fell short of a top-three finish. Despite the lack of a medal, the effort underscored the depth of the joint team’s competitive spirit.
Context for Global Readers: In German youth judo, “Landesmeisterschaften” (State Championships) are the premier events for regional athletes. Moving from district-level success to a state podium is a significant jump in competition level, often requiring athletes to face opponents with far more experience and varied training backgrounds.
The Road to Georgsmarienhütte
The state-level success did not happen in a vacuum. The foundation was laid in mid-March during the District Championships in Lauenau. That weekend served as a critical litmus test for the U13 program, where the joint team first proved its viability.
At the district level, the girls’ team—which included Henco, Teubner, and Johanna Schöffmann—captured third place, securing their ticket to the state championships. The boys’ side also saw success in Lauenau, with Kiro Wehrhahn claiming a bronze medal for the team. These early victories provided the momentum and confidence necessary to compete in Georgsmarienhütte.
Individual brilliance also highlighted the district phase. Katja Henco, in particular, emerged as a dominant force. Competing in the U11 category on Saturday in Lauenau, Henco swept her opponents with a series of early point victories to claim the district title in her weight class. Demonstrating remarkable versatility and ambition, she returned to the mat the following day to compete in the higher U13 age bracket, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Building a Culture of Excellence
The current trajectory of the VSV judo program suggests a strong emphasis on youth development and competitive versatility. Beyond the U13 achievements, the club has seen success across various age groups. During the March district events, Andrej Kähm also secured a first-place finish and a championship title, while Ben Theil and Nói Wehrhahn earned third-place finishes.
This breadth of success indicates a coaching philosophy that prioritizes both individual technical mastery and team cohesion. By integrating with MTV Elze and MTV Vorsfelde, VSV-Hohenbostel has created a sustainable model for youth athletes to experience high-level competition without losing the support of their home club.
Key Tournament Results
| Category | Event | Result | Key Athletes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U13 Girls Team | State Championships | 3rd Place (Bronze) | Katja Henco, Thea Teubner |
| U13 Girls Team | District Championships | 3rd Place | Henco, Teubner, J. Schöffmann |
| U11 Girls Individual | District Championships | 1st Place (Gold) | Katja Henco |
| U11 Boys Individual | District Championships | 1st Place (Gold) | Andrej Kähm |
As the season progresses, the VSV-Hohenbostel athletes will look to build on this bronze-medal momentum. The ability of the U13 girls to maintain their standing as one of the top three teams in Lower Saxony provides a powerful benchmark for the next generation of judokas entering the program.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the club’s competitive calendar will be the announcement of the upcoming season’s regional qualifying events. We will continue to monitor the progress of these rising stars as they aim for gold in the next cycle.
Do you follow youth judo in Lower Saxony? Share your thoughts on the impact of joint-club teams in the comments below.
