Enthusiastic crowds gathered for more heart-pounding judo action on day two of the Upper Austria Grand Prix.
Day two of the Upper Austria Grand Prix was an exciting day of judo in the TipsArena Linz.
When the event in Upper Austria was officially inaugurated, Sabrina Filzmoser’s career ended on a high note. An emotional crowd bid farewell as she was awarded her 6th Dan and received a standing ovation.
Filzmoser – a true star of Austrian judo – then joined his team to give back to the crowds of young fans who had come to meet their heroes.
Then all eyes turned to the tatami. The crowd couldn’t contain their excitement for another day of epic judo, and neither could Tatsukawa Momo as she won the -63kg final all in Japan.
Her celebration was shared with the young fans in attendance. Upper Austria’s Sports Minister Markus Achleitner was on hand to hand out the medals.
At -73kg, Israel’s Tohar Butbul won a grueling final – his first gold in four years. He was awarded his medals by IJF Chief Sports Director Vladimir Barta.
At -70kg, Puerto Rico’s María Pérez had the day of her life, with fantastic judo all the way to the final.
There she took on Kelly Petersen Pollard of Great Britain, and Pérez made history by claiming her and her country’s first ever World Judo Tour gold. Sparkling celebrations galore on a historic day. She was awarded her medal by IJF Vice President Dr Laszlo Toth.
“I think judo is a very, very special sport, and I like it when people call for you, for different countries,” said María Pérez.
“It makes me feel at home, it makes me feel strong, it makes me feel happy, so thank you Austria for this special moment.”
At -81 kg, Shamil Borchashvili came out for the home team. And when the contest ended in his favor, TipsArena erupted.
The crowd got exactly what they came for – a home gold, the perfect way to end the second day of Austria’s first World Tour event.
The medals were awarded by the Governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer.
“To compete here in a home Grand Prix, and now the gold medal, it gives me a lot,” said Shamil Borchashvili.
“You know my family is here, my friends are here, the home club and all the judokas, the future champions are here too, and to win in front of them is incredible,” he added.
It wasn’t just Borchashvili in form as Team Austria put on a great performance for the fans, giving them spectacular ippons and unforgettable memories of their day out in beautiful Upper Austria.