Judoka is annoyed

“Too bad, my opponent was already physically dead”

Laurin Böhler had his chances in the fight against Leonardo Goncalves (in white) - but he missed them.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

With bronze, Ländle judoka Laurin Böhler won a medal at a Grand Prix event for the first time in five years - back then he also came third in Düsseldorf. Despite his joy at his great success, the 29-year-old remained self-critical.

"More was actually possible for me," said Laurin Böhler with a smile after taking bronze in the 100 kilogram class at the Grand Prix in Linz on Sunday. "I had Leonardo Goncalves, who later won gold, on the brink of defeat in the quarter-finals. He was already physically dead. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to close the deal."

In the end, Laurin Böhler was able to celebrate Grand Prix bronze in Linz,(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Victory over a "fearful opponent"
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old was satisfied with his performance. "After the victories at the European Open tournaments in Györ and Warsaw, my self-confidence was very good," said Böhler, who was particularly pleased with his first-round ippon victory over Italian Gennaro Pirelli in Linz. "I lost to him at the beginning of the year and he doesn't really suit me at all."

Hunt for an Olympic ticket
Yesterday, the army athlete traveled to the training camp in the Czech Republic with girlfriend Lubjana "Lulu" Piovesana - who lost in round one in Linz. "Next week we'll be heading to the Grand Slams. First to Tbilisi and then to Antalya. I want to score as many points as possible there and keep my Olympic chances alive."