Germany’s George Udsilauri claimed the gold medal in the -100kg category at the U23 European Championships in Chișinău, a result that crowned years of steady progress and persistence on the European circuit. After several close calls at major age-group events, the 22-year-old finally earned his long-awaited continental title, and did so with the quiet confidence of an athlete who always believed it was coming.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised,” Udsilauri said after the final. “I was expecting gold. I worked very hard for it. I tried it so many times, I don’t even know how many, to get a signature medal at European and world level. Finally, the hard work paid off.”
He explained that both preparation and mindset played a role in his success. “Of course, the mind game plays a lot,” he said. “Today was just my day. Everything worked well, the draw, the rhythm, a few things came into my favour. I’m just happy about it, it was my day.”
Behind Udsilauri’s success stands a unique story, one he shares with his twin brother Daniel, who also competed in Chișinău and finished fifth place in the category +100kg. “Of course, we support each other,” he said. “There’s something very special between me and him. We are twins, we push each other to the limits and it’s very nice to have the situation that we have. I was hoping my brother won the bronze but this time it’s me with a medal.”
The -100kg division is among the most competitive in Germany, and Udsilauri is fully aware of the challenge ahead as he transitions to the senior level. “Right now Louis Mai is probably the biggest competitor. We also have Baschin, Ederer and Johannes Frey if he comes back from injury. It’s always tough but that’s what makes us better.”
Udsilauri now trains under Karl-Richard Frey, himself a World medallist and Olympic athlete, and someone who knows the category inside out and brother of Johannes Frey. “It’s not difficult,” he said of being coached by the brother of a possible rival. “We have a good combination. He is very strict and he knows the -100kg class the best. If someone can tell me something about this category, it’s him. I’m just happy he is my coach and hopefully we go together to the Olympics.”
Although born and raised in Germany, Udsilauri’s family background is a blend of cultures. “I was born in Germany, but my mother is from Kazakhstan and my father from Georgia, so it’s quite a special mix,” he said. “I speak Russian and just a little Georgian, just the basics but I am proud of my roots.”
He and his brother trained first in Ulm, then Erbach, later Stuttgart, and are now based in Cologne, where they continue their journey together within Germany’s strong judo development system.
With the U23 title now his, Udsilauri’s ambitions are clearly set on the senior stage. “Of course my dream is to become Olympic champion,” he said. “I tried to qualify for Paris, I missed it by two spots. It was close, but in the end, I wasn’t good enough yet. So maybe one step back, compete in some European Opens and Cups, then attack again for the big medals and hopefully for Los Angeles, with a medal of course.”
As he left the field of play in Chișinău, George Udsilauri’s satisfaction was clear, not only for the medal around his neck but for finally delivering on years of promise.
Judoka
Author: Hans Van Essen