Former Great Britain representative, Jan GOSIEWSKI, was in attendance of the the Warsaw European Open 2024 on day one, and joined former Polish athlete and EJU Commentator, Tomasz KOWALSKI in the hot seat to talk all things judo, and a bit more.
In this event 11 years ago, Gosiewski wasn’t only on the tatami, but took his first continental open medal in the -73kg category, and stood on a podium with well known judoka including Nugzari TATALASHVILI and Zebeda REKHVIASHVILI of Georgia and Soshin KATSUMI (GER). In the same year he became silver medallist in the Tallinn European Open, losing out to former World and European Champion, Sagi MUKI (ISR).
It’s been almost 11 years since I took my first European Open medal here in Warsaw, it’s great to be here again, I have so many good memories, it’s nice to see old friends. It’s showing my age a little bit but looking at the draw, there aren’t so many familiar names or faces, more in the coaching chairs and here in commentary!
After spending a great deal of time in Bath with the likes of Benjamin FLETCHER, who is also here today, debuting in the coaching chair for Team Ireland along with former team mate Nathon BURNS, Gosiewski is now based in the capital of London and calls the Budokwai Judo Club home. The historic club draws in athletes from far and wide, hosting numerous masterclasses and can boast more -73kg athletes including current World Champion Nils STUMP (SUI) and double Olympic Champion, ONO Shohei (JPN).
Author: Thea Cowen