An incredible 427 athletes from 52 nations are travelling to Central Europe for the Linz Grand Prix from the 7th to 9th of March 2025. The focal event in the heart of the continent is unsurprisingly popular, already the nation host the opening OTC of the year, kickstarting the season. Now after a few IJF World Judo Tour events, Linz is another step for those in the new cycle.
It is set to be an exciting one with major names in the lineup, including Olympic Champion and silver medallist, Distria KRASNIQI (KOS) in the women’s lightweight division, Olympia bronze medallist, Francisco GARRIGOS (ESP) making his return to the tatami and at the other end in the men’s +100kg category, Guram TUSHISHVILI (GEO) is ready to entertain us once again.
The hosts will have plenty to cheer on, the leading world ranking athlete will be Junior World Champion, Elena DENGG in the -70kg category who is looking for her first medal on the IJF World Judo Tour, and what better place to achieve it than at home in Austria? It won’t be an easy ride for Dengg, however she has managed to take her place in the seeded positions at #8 which can offer some benefits. Home soil and a home crowd can sometime be the greatest gift for some athletes, and was the case for Thomas SCHARFETTER in the -90kg category, who in 2023 left the Grand Prix with a bronze medal, best Marcus NYMAN (SWE) for a place on the podium.
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