"I am back"

Karate world champion Buchinger celebrates comeback

Alisa Buchinger returns to the mat! The 2016 karate world champion is making a comeback in September - two years after ending her career. Her athletes have spurred her on. Training is already in full swing.

The unexpected often happens. Karateka Alisa Buchinger ended her successful career almost two years ago and dedicated herself to coaching. As is well known, she followed in the footsteps of her sponsor Manfred Eppenschwandtner and now works as a national coach for the U16 and U18 levels. Now she is returning to the mat and with her "Eppi" is also coming out of retirement.

As was announced on Friday, the 31-year-old wants to give it another go. The Salzburg native will celebrate her comeback at the Series A tournament (September 13 to 15) in her home country. The best karateka in the world will meet there, and the number one in the world has already been named.

"My athletes pushed me to do it. They were impressed when I showed something and said I should compete again," says Buchinger, explaining her motivation. "They just wouldn't let up. My only condition was that Eppi coached me."

Because she also works as a coach, she cleared her mini comeback with the sports director. "Because I work in the U16 and U18 and not in the general class, there is no overlap," says the comebacker. For now, only the World Cup in Salzburg is planned. "I'm not thinking about anything else yet."