It helps a lot when local athletes are involved in the medal battles which was the case on two occasions today with Bernd Fasching and Michaela Polleres. The spectacle put on by all competitors was something to delight though, regardless of the nationality of the judoka. The final block took place in the best conditions, combining standing and ground scoring and offering a wide technical and tactical variety.
An event like this grand prix celebrates the top athletes of the moment. It is also an opportunity to highlight the work of sport’s personalities who have contributed throughout their lives and careers to the development of judo. This was the case of Franz Haugeneder who was president of Judo Austria and who recently finished his term as club president of UJZ Mühlviertel, one of the most successful clubs in Austria, based not far from Linz.
Today was dominated by four different countries: the Republic of Moldova, the Netherlands, Italy and Puerto Rico.
At the end of this second day of competition, Japan sits on top of the medal ranking with 2 gold medals, 1 silver and two bronze. Not far behind are the Netherlands with one gold fewer but one bronze more, while Italy occupies the third position. The group of gold medal winners also includes Brazil, Spain, the Republic of Moldova, Puerto Rico and Serbia.
Tomorrow will be the last day of competition, with the last five categories. Follow all the action at https://judotv.com/ and read all the news on our webpage.