Now it’s official: 2-time Olympic and world champion Lukas KRPALEK (CZE) will be missing in ZAGREB (CRO). “It was not an easy decision: I have decided in favour of competing at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. That makes more sense for my Olympic build-up. The start in Zagreb would be too early.”
The 33-year-old Czech was on the entry list for the EUROPEAN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS SENIORS in Zagreb until these days. Now the Czech team has been reduced to six athletes and the name of the top star has been withdrawn.
“It was clear that I would only do a few starts this year and decide at very short notice whether I feel in shape to compete. I have to organise my strength very well in order to be in top form at the Olympics in Paris. Zagreb and Abu Dhabi would have been too much.”
The +100 category is up for grabs at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi on 23 May. Lukas still has more than four weeks to get into top form.
At the European Judo Championships Seniors in Zagreb, no fewer than three top 10 judoka will be competing in the heavyweight category, first and foremost world number one Inal TASOEV (AIN) and Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Guram TUSHISHVILI (GEO).
Author: EJU Media