Judoka compete for European Championship medals

Three highlights in 14 weeks as a challenge

Judo is going from strength to strength - the European Championships in Zagreb are the first of three highlights in just 14 weeks. "This presents us with unusual challenges," admits head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch. In Croatia, Austria's judo federation will only be competing with a skeleton team, but the aim is still to win a medal.

From April 25 to 28, the European Championships in Zagreb, from June 9 to 16 the World Championships in Abu Dhabi and from July 27 the Olympic Games in Paris - one highlight follows the next, in ascending form, because of course the Olympics are above all else. Which is also the reason why Austria's team in Zagreb will not be at its best. Michaela Polleres has decided not to compete so that she can prepare for the Games in the best possible way. For her, the second Olympic medal is above all else. And Aaron Fara will also be spared due to an injury, as the World Championships and Olympics have priority.

Michi Polleres skips the European Championships(Bild: GEPA pictures)

But with the brothers Shamil and Wachid Borchashvili, as well as the naturalized Brit Lubjana Piovesana, this year's Grand Slam winner, there are still hot candidates. "It should at least be a medal," explains Snir-Bönisch. "We still have some catching up to do at the European Championships." In fact, in their successful three-year era, they have won three World Championship medals and two Olympic medals, but only one at a European Championship.

Shamil (left) and Wachid Borchashvili(Bild: GEPA pictures)

For the Borchashvili brothers, Zagreb is also the next round in the duel for an Olympic starting place in the 81 kg category. The rivalry has changed nothing in their relationship. "On the contrary, if anything, we've moved even closer together," says Wachid, who is currently 19th in the world rankings, ten places behind his brother Shamil.

European Championship medal still missing from collection
The Olympic bronze medallist, on the other hand, has recently been suffering from a slight health problem, but has a personal mission to fulfill at the European Championships. In contrast to the Olympics and World Championships, Shamil has yet to win a medal at the continental tournament.

Like the Borchashvilis, "Lulu" Piovesana will also be in action on Friday, April 26. It will be her first Olympic cycle in the red-white-red jersey, having been eligible to compete for Austria since last year. Piovesana, who is in a relationship with teammate Laurin Böhler, has been in Austria for some time. "During corona, I got stuck here and couldn't travel home. We had trouble with a coach in Great Britain at the time anyway and the conditions for us judoka didn't change, so I stayed here." And Austria is one medal hopeful richer in judo.