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Judo Grand Prix in Austria: Puerto Rico makes history

In Linz, Austria, the Judo Grand Prix entered its second day. And this one had a lot to offer, especially for the local fans. There was also a very special gold.

Before the competitions were officially opened in the TipsArena in Linz, Sabrina Filzmoser’s career officially came to an end. The audience bid her farewell with a standing ovation. And she was awarded her 6th Dan.

Filzmoser, who is a star of Austrian judo, then joined her team to give something back to the many young fans who had come to meet their heroes.

After that, all eyes turned to the tatami. And there Momo Tatsukawahad a super evening. She decided the all-Japanese final in the 63 kg class against Seiko Watanabe.

In the 73 kg category, Tohar Butbul of Israel took gold, his first in four years.

In the 70 kg category, María Pérez from Puerto Rico fought her way to the final. There she met Kelly Petersen Pollard from Great Britain. What followed was history: Pérez won the first ever Judo World Championship gold for her country. The jubilation was accordingly enormous.

“Judo is a very special sport. I think it’s great when people cheer you on and are also for other countries,” said Pérez. “It makes me feel at home, it makes me strong and happy. So thank you Austria for this special moment.”

In the 81kg category, Austria’s Shamil Borchashvili made the fans in the arena cheer when he took gold in the final against Ukraine’s Mykhailo Svidrak.

To compete here at a home Grand Prix and win the gold medal, “it gives me a lot,” Borchashvili explained. “My family is here, my friends, the home club, all the judoka, the future champions are here too – to win in front of them is incredible.”

Not only Borchashvili was in top form. The whole Team Austria showed a perfect performance. At their home Grand Prix in Linz.

By Jennifer