Anna Monta Olek from Germany, currently ranked World No. 5, delivered a spectacular performance in the -78kg category, reaching the final in her very first Senior European Championships. Although she was ultimately defeated by 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist Patricia Sampaio of Portugal, Olek secured a fantastic silver medal — a huge achievement at this level.
In the same category, Yuliia Kurchenko of the Ukraine claimed a bronze medal after an impressive display against Emma Reid of Great Britian. Kurchenko executed a massive, driving o-uchi-gari to seal her spot on the podium and bring home a well-deserved medal.
In the +100kg division, Erik Abramov from Germany, a teammate of Olek, also fought his way to bronze. After an early yuko score with ko-soto-gake, Abramov was momentarily behind as Kokauri (AZE) responded with waza-ari using te-waza techniques. But Abramov stayed sharp and, just 30 seconds later, countered Kokauri’s overstretched uchi-mata attempt with a huge ippon, securing his medal in thrilling fashion.
+100kg Podium
Lukas Krpálek of Czechia added to the success by winning bronze in the heavyweight division. Already a legend in the sport, Krpálek displayed his world-class ne-waza (groundwork) skills against Yevheniy Balyevskyy of the Ukraine, ensuring he walked away with his seventh European Championship medal.
On the fifth and final day the Mixed Team event took place where Team Germany — now proudly part of the IPPONGEAR family — fought their way to a brilliant bronze! After strong wins over Croatia (4-2) and Türkiye (4-3), Germany battled hard but fell to eventual champions Georgia in the semi-finals. In the bronze medal match against Belgium, it all came down to a dramatic draw — and +90kg fighter Erik Abramov delivered under pressure.
Erik Abramov +100kg
Facing Belgium’s Toma Nikiforov for the second time, Abramov scored a decisive yuko in a tightly contested match, sealing the podium spot for Germany. Reflecting on the moment, Abramov shared: "It wasn’t easy — my body and mind were exhausted, but I knew I had a job to finish. Everyone on the team played their part, and the will to win was stronger than the fear."
A huge congratulations to Team Germany — what a way to close the championships! Welcome to the IPPONGEAR family!
