This weekend, Skopje hosts the next edition of the senior European Cup series, with thirty nations competing in the capital of North Macedonia. Among them is a promising Danish team featuring two familiar faces on the international circuit: Laerke Olsen, a two-time Olympian, and Emilie Sook, one of the most consistent performers on this season’s European Cup tour.
Emilie Sook has long been a trailblazer for Danish judo.
“I was the first Danish judoka to win a medal on the IJF World Tour when I took silver at the Grand Prix in Tashkent,” she recalls. “I was also the first Danish athlete to medal at a Continental Open, in Tallinn back in 2016. Both achievements still mean a lot to me.”
Competing internationally for more than a decade has not always been easy.
“Life in judo is always busy,” she explains. “This fall I have many competitions and training camps lined up. Skopje this weekend, then hopefully some IJF World Tour events later this year. Judo is demanding, but I still really enjoy being an athlete. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to bounce back after setbacks. The highs and lows have shaped me, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without judo.”
Representing a smaller judo nation comes with its own challenges.
“Denmark is indeed a small judo country but I believe we are moving in the right direction. Our team is growing, and we have promising athletes across different age groups. Our head coach Peter Scharinger and the rest of the staff are doing an incredible job. For us, it’s vital to train together as much as possible and also travel for EJU and OTC training camps.”
Funding remains a major obstacle.
“In Denmark, athletes are self-funded and we only have one full-time coach. The federation works hard to secure financial support but it’s not nearly enough to cover expenses. I hope future generations will benefit from better funding as the sport gains more popularity.”
Sook points out the importance of international collaboration, especially with their Nordic neighbours.
“We work closely with Sweden. We have weekly joint sessions and regular Nordic training camps where Scandinavian athletes come together. That exchange is so important for our development.”
Within her own team, Sook shares the -70kg category with Laerke Olsen.
“I see it as a positive that we have two athletes competing in the same division on the World Tour and we are not the only ones anymore, Ida Jakobsen and Karoline Hansen have also won European Cup medals. Pushing each other only makes us better, both as individuals and as a federation.”
Like many athletes from smaller nations, Sook balances her sporting career with work and study.
“I am a student and I also work in a nursing home. Unfortunately, we can’t be full-time athletes in Denmark, so we have to work to cover expenses. Still, I am grateful I can pursue an education alongside judo.”
In Skopje, she remains focused on both competition and contribution.
“I hope my results have helped the development of Danish judo. Breaking through is never easy but I believe our federation has an exciting future. Even though there are no ranking points at stake at European Cups, they still provide valuable experience. I am looking forward to stepping on the mat in Skopje.”
Author: Hans Van Essen
Author: EJU Media