Guram Tushishvili capped off a fantastic event for Georgia at the European Judo Championships Seniors 2026 Tbilisi striking the fourth gold for the host country. In the battle of the heavyweight giants, the Georgian prevailed over two-time Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek of Czechia. It was one of Tushishvili’s sweetest victories.
“Of course I’m happy because I won the European championships for the third time in my career but it was a special European championship because it was held in Tbilisi,” the Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medallist said. “I’m proud because I managed to win the gold medal here in Tbilisi in front of my people, in front of the Georgian audience.” Tushishvili’s last victory at the European championships dates back to 2017, it took him nine years to get back on to the top in Europe.
“Of course, I was young then, and now I’m a bit older, so I appreciate it more, and it’s more delicious, so to speak,” the 31-year-old shared. “I am more experienced and more mature.” Going into the final bout of the championships at home, the Georgian hero felt prepared. “I knew it was going to be a pretty tough fight but I was ready for anything,”
Tushishvili commented. “I was prepared to fight to the very end so that I could emerge victorious.” He added that he feels a lot of respect for Krpalek whom he considers being one of the greatest judoka in the world. Tushishvili competed in his 11th senior European championship since 2014 and looks back at a long journey in the sport.
“Of course, I have won many titles in my career and I also lost some very important contests before but this one was really emotional and a special victory for me,” he said. “To me, every medal carries its own emotion, whether positive or negative. “I want to say thank you all for your support; I felt it, and I did everything I could to make you all happy today,” he concluded.
Author: Tatjana Flade