Seija Ballhaus: Gold in the weight category -57 kg
Seija Ballhaus could celebrate capturing her first Grand Prix title, as she was able to come out on top of the -57 kg category and raise the flag for Germany. Last month Ballhaus claimed her first medal of the year, a bronze medal at the Grand Slam in Baku and this weekend, she was once again to be found on the podium, a result which will as well give her yet another boost on the World Ranking List.
Mascha Ballhaus: Bronze in the weight category -52 kg
Twin sister Mascha Ballhaus secured a bronze medal in the weight category -52 kg. This was the second occasion this year, that both sisters claimed a medal at the same event, as also Mascha picked up a medal in Baku last month. There is no doubt that the Ballhaus twins are on great form at the moment - We cannot wait to see what is in store for the pair in the coming year.
Yuliia Kurchenko: Gold in the weight category -78 kg
The podium in the -78 kg category was topped by Yuliia Kurchenko of Ukraine, who could celebrate capturing the first Grand Prix title of her career. The 21 years old Ukrainian started her season by narrowly missing out on a medal at the Grand Slam in Baku but this weekend she was able to swop the 5th place for a gold medal.
Lukas Krpalek: Silver in the weight category +100 kg
Lukas Krpalek of Czech Republic made his first appearance at the IJF World Tour after the Olympic Games in Paris when he returned to Linz for the Upper Austria Grand Prix. Krpalek, who has hero status, not only in home country Czech Republic but in the whole world of judo, made his comeback in style, as he was able to come away with a silver medal in the +100 kg category.
Jelle Snippe: Bronze in the weight category +100 kg
Krpalek could share the podium with IPPONGEAR teammate, Jelle Snippe of The Netherlands, who captured a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight division. It was Snippe’s first competition of 2025 and what better way to start the year!
Ida Eriksson: Silver in the weight category -70 kg
Sweden’s Ida Eriksson became runner-up in the weight category -70 kg and could celebrate reaching the final of a Grand Prix event for the first time in her career. Eriksson narrowly missed out on a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris but is now bouncing back from the disappointment, turning it into motivation, as she proved this weekend, that she is back in business for the new Olympic cycle.
Krisztian Toth: Silver in the weight category -100 kg
Krisztian Toth of Hungary managed to clinch his first medal in a new category this weekend: The -100 kg category. Toth was able to make it all the way to the final and in the end of the day, he was awarded a silver medal. This was medal number 33 on the IJF World Tour for the Hungarian legend, who, with his humble personality and great display of sportsmanship, always is a fan favourite.
Chusniddin Karimov: Bronze in the weight category -73 kg
Czech Chusniddin Karimov was able to capture his first ever medal at a Grand Prix at the age of 32, as he clinched a bronze medal in the category -73 kg. The Czech athlete had his debut at the IJF World Tour back in 2023 and has only competed at this level on four precious occasions. This weekend, he could be thrilled to secure a spot at the podium.
Bernd Fasching: Bronze in the weight category -81 kg
21 years old Bernd Fasching made the home crowd go wild, as he captured his first ever Grand Prix medal, a bronze medal in the -81 kg category. Fasching narrowly missed out on a medal at his home event last year, but this weekend he managed to secure the medal in front of a delighted Austrian crowd.
Julie Hölterhoff: Bronze in the weight category -78 kg
Another athlete who captured a career first Grand Prix medal was Germany’s Julie Hölterhoff, who could be delighted to clinch a bronze medal in the weight category -78 kg. Hölterhoff has been one of the most consistent athletes in this category at European Cup and European Open level but has not had many outings at the IJF World Tour. This weekend, she was able to book a spot at a Grand Prix podium, something which as well really shows the depth that Germany has in the -78 kg category.
Tina Radic: Bronze in the weight category +78 kg
Croatia’s Tina Radic was able to book a spot on the podium at the IJF World Tour for the first time. She secured a bronze medal in the +78 kg category, a career highlight for the Croatian heavyweight.
Congratulations to our athletes for the great results this weekend - We are proud to stand behind you!
