Good Bye Ernst

The European Judo Union and the Austrian judo family mourns the loss of a great of its guild: Ernst Raser, who became known in the 80s as the “father of the women’s world championships miracle”, died on Monday, 31 March at the age of 81. The Viennese served as a women’s national coach from 1974 to 1991 (the first three years of his activity he was also responsible for the Austrian men’s team). Ernst played a significant role in the fact that the first women’s world judo championships could take place in the Madison Square Garden in New York, in which Austria won no less than three of seven gold medals through Edith Hrovat (-52kg), Gerda Winklbauer (-56kg) and Edith Simon (-66kg). It is still by far the most successful world championship in the history of Austrian judo.

With JGV Schuh Ski Wien he won eight proud European Championship titles (Gerda Winklbauer 5, Edith Simon 2, Norbert Haimberger 1). From 2011 to 2022, Ernst Raser chaired the Vienna Judo State Association as president, from 2019 to 2021 he served as the vice president of the Austrian Judo Federation. He was also a proud 9th Dan. Judo Austria President Martin Poiger was affected by Raser’s death: “Ernst was one of the greatest personalities of domestic judo sports, he will always remain in our best memory, our sympathy goes out to his family.”

The European Judo Union would like to send their heartfelt condolences to Ernst’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Source & Image: Judo Austria/Sellner

Author: EJU Media