Feature Image: Conny Kurth
There were yet more celebrations to be had this week for the German athletes representing their respective institutions. World silver medallist, Anna Monta OLEK (GER) stood atop of the -78kg podium in front of a home crowd.
It was just a mega tournament! The entry was hard, but I got better from fight to fight. The atmosphere in the hall was incredible: My family, friends and many judo fans cheered me on – that totally carried me. Ending the finale with Ippon was simply outstanding. I’m so happy that I finally won the title after the European Championship and World Cup silver! I think the event is really strong – not only the judo competition, but the whole event with the many other sports. It’s not just a tournament, but a real experience that I can share here at home with my friends and family. Simply indescribable.
Despite great efforts throughout her preliminary contests, Samira BOCK (GER) didn’t manage the gold, however it was still an important memorable event, defeating the likes of Fidan OGEL (TUR) and Tais PINA (POR) in the quarter and semi final rounds.
Five fights in one day – that was really intense, but I had an incredible amount of fun and really wanted to fight. Even if the final did not go well, I am very proud of my performance. The support of Team Studi and the fans totally pushed me. Winning silver here at home feels special. Being back on the podium after the medal at the FISU Games in China 2023 shows me that I am on the right track. I’m already looking forward to the team competition on Saturday, there’s definitely still something in it!
It was a particularly strong event, with Olympic medallists, Adil OSMANOV (MDA) and Laura FAZLIU (KOS) taking gold and silver medals respectively. The current European Champion, Renata ZACHOVA (CZE) also joined the -63kg podium, taking bronze. Former European Champion and World bronze medallist, Eljan HAJIYEV (AZE) placed second at -90kg, losing out to KIM Jonghoon (KOR). A gold was also issued to Michal JEDRZEJEWSKI (POL) at -100kg, defeating Nika KHARAZISHVILI (GEO) in the final.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen