Linz Shines on Day 2 of the Judo Grand Prix

The judo family welcomes you back for day two of the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix! We are delighted to be here in Linz, the beautiful capital of this amazing region.

Inside the Tips Arena, on International Women’s Day, the crowd got to meet one of their heroes, before the Grand Prix was officially opened with a ceremony that included speeches from IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa ALLAN and Austrian Judo Federation President Dr Martin POIGER.

The middleweights then took centre stage, as the judo got underway.

In the -63kg, Kaja KAJZER faced So MORICHIKA and after a lengthy Golden Score the Slovenian secured a tactical victoy. A first gold medal for Kajzer in her new weight category!

Ambassador of Japan to Austria His Excellency Kiminori IWAMA awarded the medals.

In the -73kg, Giovanni ESPOSITO faced Daniel SZEGEDI. A yuko decided the contest and gave the Italian his first gold medal on the World Judo Tour - a huge achievement!

EJU Head Refereeing Director Mr Alexander JATSEKVICH awarded the medals.

At -70kg, Aoife COUGHLAN faced Ida ERIKSSON. The Australian judoka took the top spot on the podium after an impressive ippon to end the contest - a second Grand Prix gold for COUGHLAN. A lovely example of kouchi-gari, showcasing perfect timing and technique.

Double Olympic & Double World Bronze Medallist Mrs Michaela POLLERES awarded the medals.

At -81kg, Italy’s Antonio ESPOSITO followed in his younger brother’s footsteps! ESPOSITO, last year's gold medallist repeated the feat today with a stylish skipping ko-uchi-gari!

Austrian Judo Federation President Dr Martin POIGER awarded the medals.

A highlight of the day was Austrian judoka Bernd FASCHING taking a bronze medal! Lighting up the Tips Arena, the local crowd erupting with joy!

Join us again tomorrow for the heavyweights!