Kaja SCHUSTER of Slovenia is no stranger to success, holding a Junior European title and World bronze medal, but at the -70kg category. For many it was a surprise to see her compete at a weight category above at the Ljubljana European Open, but she assured us it was not a permanent move.
I competed today at -78kg but it was just a one time thing, I’ll be staying at -70kg. I have a lot of exams in school and was also injured, so my body needed to get and recover properly. While I wouldn’t have so many kilos to lose, I think it would have still negatively impacted me. So I decided to rest my body and just get some experience here, that was the goal for this competition.
What a great experience it was! In front of a very passionate home crowd and family members, the noise was incredible as Schuster was announced to the tatami to fight for the bronze medal. This is the first time any of the Slovenian athletes have been able to compete at home at a continental open level, and it pulled in many fans, young and old, who were then able to feel a top-level atmosphere, watching European and World medallists from around Europe and even further afield.
I couldn’t miss it! I’m very aware of my surroundings when I fight, so the crowd helped me a lot! I think it’s important to have any event in the country, but to have it in Ljubljana, in the capital city, is amazing, it is very accessible and a lot of my friends came to watch and they were able to see judo for the first time. I also saw kids and their families watching for the first time so I think having the Open here will impact the sport very well, I’m very happy for that!
Schuster took the one and only medal for the host nation on day one of the Ljubljana European Open, and her first of 2025.
I’m happy to have good achievements behind me but now I’m looking forward to take some more! The next place for me will be Linz for the Grand Prix.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen