Today in the history: 28 November

At the World military championships of 1997 it’s a Dutch party in the men’s category. The Dutch win two categories. U95 Ben Sonnemans defeats Austrian Thomas Etlinger, two years before becoming European champion. At under 86 kgs Mark Huizinga wins the first of eight military world titles, three years before decisively winning the Olympic title at under 90 kgs!

Sadly enough Huizinga only won one world championships medal. In six participations Huizinga fought 21 matches, and lost nine. Never the less Huizinga has three Olympic medals on his career summary and was chosen EJU judoka of the year previously.