The celebrations may have started in Zagreb on the IJF World Tour as we welcomed the senior athletes back to competition, followed by a European Cup in Podgorica, but now we can officially kick start the European Open Tour with the first stop in Prague, Czechia. Always a popular event, and now attracting up and comers as well as those returning from a well earned break.
In fact, leading the 371 judoka is Anna Monta OLEK of Germany in the -78kg category. Finding herself in one of the most talent-heavy categories in her nation, Olek was in third position as she approached the Olympic Games, behind Tokyo Olympic medallist and World Champion, Anna-Maria WAGNER, as well as multiple-European gold medallist, Alina BOEHM. Now that we’re starting fresh in a whole new cycle, Olek’s drive is stronger than ever, with only one thing in mind, Los Angeles. The world ranked #12 has already acquired multiple Grand Prix titles, as well as Grand Slam accolades, she will be easing her way back in to competition, ready to establish herself as the next Olympic selection in 2028.
The ranking levels out following this superstar entry, with the highest sitting at #30, Azerbaijan’s +100kg entry, Dzhamal GAMZATKHANOV, who will be joined by Grzegorz TERESINSKI (POL), the world ranking list jumper following his silver medal in Zagreb, and three-time world medallist, Yakiv KHAMMO (UKR).
Among the entries, we have more Zagreb Grand Prix silver medallists; Rhys THOMPSON (GBR) who leads the -100kg category, and Michael FRYER (GBR) who will take the #2 seeded spot in the -66kg category, who is headed by an athlete from across the water, Julien FRASCADORE (CAN). Another British athlete in a leading position is Jamal PETGRAVE in the -90kg category, no stranger to a continental open medal, and looking to defend his -81kg 2023 title is Giacomo GAMBA of Italy. Though Gamba draws focus to the mediterranean, the top entries are focussed more on the west this week, with Joshua GREEN (IRL) holding the top spot of the -73kg category, and certainly draw gaze with his 5th place finish in the Kazakhstan Grand Slam this year.
As for the women’s categories, the French entry are leading the top spots with Lea METROT (-52kg), Ophelie VELLOZZI (-57kg) and Florine SOULA (-70kg). However Asia AVANZATO (ITA) will be leading the lightest of then women’s weights, -48kg. At only 20 years old, Avanzato’s more recent achievements have been at junior level, including a World Championship bronze in 2023, however she has had near misses as a senior athlete, first with a 5th place in the Sofia European Open last year, as well as a 5th place in the Upper Austria Grand Prix this year.
Romania’s Florentina IVANESCU drew attention to her performance in the -63kg category by placing 5th in the 2022 Tashkent Senior World Championships whilst still a junior, and in the following year found herself with a bronze medal in the same city, but at Grand Slam level. It has been a tough journey since then but a fresh cycle and fresh start is key for the rising star. As for the +78kg category, it will be Maria HOELLWART (AUT) leading the pack, and she seems ready to continue on her upward trajectory, after placing fifth in Zagreb, the Madrid European Open winner is looking strong.
The live draw will take place on Friday 27th September at 20:00 local time, don’t miss out and download the JudoTV app to stay up to date and receive notifications!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen