Author: Wolfgang Eichler
The 4th edition of the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix was once again a great organisational success: packed spectator stands, a fantastic atmosphere, a likeable and approachable winner in gold medallist Michaela Polleres, not to mention positive feedback from the International Judo Federation and the 59 participating nations.
“We have once again delivered a perfect performance, congratulations to the 172 employees, the Upper Austrian Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the Judo World Tour,” said Judo Austria President Dr Martin Poiger, who was both satisfied and relieved. “All three days of competition went smoothly.”
By the end of June, it should be clear whether Judo Austria can secure funding for another four Grand Prix events. President Poiger: “We have received a lot of encouragement, the international judo family is unanimously in favour of a future for the Upper Austrian Grand Prix but in the end, it is a question of budget.“
The good news: Austria will finish in the top 10 in the medal table at the home Grand Prix in Linz, thanks to Michaela Polleres’ gold medal (-70kg/AUT). The bad news: all 40 other ÖJV athletes were eliminated early and remained unplaced. By comparison, Judo Austria had nine top-7 finishes in 2023, six in the previous year and four in 2024.
“The odd setback is acceptable but it is hard to accept that virtually everyone from the national team did not meet the expectations,” summed up Judo Austria head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch. All U21 athletes are explicitly excluded from the criticism. “Different standards apply to them, the young athletes should gain experience and develop at their own pace but we expect different performances and quantifiable results from our top athletes.”
With 18 active members, Judo Austria will travel to Nymburk (CZE) on Monday for a five-day training camp, a total of 800 athletes from 50 nations are expected to attend.
Top 10 Remains the Target
Anyone who spoke to Michaela Polleres the day after her home victory in Linz had to get quite close to her and listen carefully. “My voice has suffered a lot and I also have a sore throat. The cold has definitely not gotten any better since yesterday morning but I was able to really enjoy the evening after the success. It was a really nice and successful day and the atmosphere couldn’t have been better,” smiled the 28-year-old from Lower Austria. “The atmosphere before my final fight, when everyone was chanting my name, was really cool.”
Not only emotionally but also athletically, the Upper Austrian Grand Prix victory ranks very high in her career: “I had a long break from competition after Paris 2024. It is great to know that after only three tournaments, I am back to being totally competitive and of course I will take the 525 net points. I want to get back into the top 10 soon so that I am seeded at every Grand Slam and major event.”
On Monday morning, she will be travelling with the national team to Nymburk (CZE) and her next competition is due in two weeks at the Grand Slam in Tbilisi (GEO). “Ideally, things should continue as they have here in Linz.”
Images: Judo Austria/Oliver Sellner
Author: EJU Media