A host of World medallists will lead the way for the women in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam this weekend, and at the top of the fierce list is 2024 -63kg World Champion, Joanne VAN LIESHOUT (NED). In 2022, Van Lieshout took her first Grand Slam medal in Abu Dhabi, but it’ll only be the gold she has sights on this time. It has been a turbulent rise to success for the 21 year old who has also found herself in a senior European final this year. Following this string of glory, it was somewhat a surprise that in the Olympic Games she wan unable to realise her dreams, however after a break, Van Lieshout will be refreshed and ready to start yet another cycle.
World bronze medallist, Abiba ABUZHAKYNOVA (KAZ) will take the top seeded position in the -48kg category, joined by Sabina GILIAZOVA (IJF). In the -70kg category, Lara CVJETKO (CRO) will lead the weight, the world silver medallist has slowly but surely been overcoming an injury and can now look forward to a new cycle, perhaps without too much home competition!
After dusting the cobwebs in the Prague European Open for her sixth continental open gold, Anna Monta OLEK (GER) is ready to be back on the IJF World Judo Tour, excited to be back at high level competition and of course to be a contender for the LA Games. It was a tough situation in the run up to Paris as she closed in on two team mates in the qualification zone, but this can only speak volumes as we move forward. Olek is yet another viable option for Team Germany, and at 22 years-old, has plenty fuel in the tank. Germany triumphed in the -70kg category in Prague as well, a win from Samira BOCK in the -70kg was a welcomed first.
It seems to be a similar situation for many of the athletes competing this weekend, most didn’t have the opportunity to compete in Paris, but came very close. Another in that boat was Iva OBERAN (CRO), who only just fell short of Katarina KRISTO who competed for the bronze medal in the Olympic Games. Croatia can be excited with the new prospect in the -57kg category as Ana Viktorija PULJIZ has moved from -52kg and already had success on home soil in the Zagreb Grand Prix, she now chases down team mate, Tihea TOPOLOVEC.
The live draw will take place on Thursday 10th October at 14:00 local time, all can be found at JudoTV.com!
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen