European hopefuls and judo greats set for explosive day two in Linz

Day two of the Upper Austria Grand Prix in Linz is loaded with storylines as proven champions and fearless newcomers step onto the tatami. Several categories are stacked with Olympic medallists and rising talents, making the schedule unpredictable and very watchable for judo fans.

In the -57kg division, Rafaela Silva of Brazil returns to centre stage. The Rio 2016 Olympic champion and world champion in both 2013 and 2022 is still fighting at elite level more than a decade after her first major triumph. Fresh from an impressive win at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this season, she comes to Linz as top seed among 28 athletes and one of the biggest names of the entire tournament.

Europe’s -57kg challengers are hunting a statement win in Linz.

European contenders will try to break Silva’s momentum. Laura Fazliu of Kosovo, already an Olympic and world medallist, has built a reputation for consistency and will be aiming for another big final. Gili Sharir from Israel, known for her tactical control and experience on the circuit, adds even more depth to a dangerous leading group.

The -73kg category, with 48 entries, could be the most intense bracket of the day. Daniel Cargnin from Brazil, Olympic bronze medallist at Tokyo 2021, brings dynamic attacking judo and strong tempo management that can overwhelm opponents when he finds his flow. Alongside him is Georgian legend Lasha Shavdatuashvili, a triple Olympic medallist, London 2012 Olympic champion and 2021 world champion, who proved last season with a Tbilisi Grand Slam title that he is still very much in the game. Young American Jack Yonezuka is one of several hungry athletes hoping to shock the favourites.

European interest is huge at -70kg. Australia’s Aoife Coughlan is chasing redemption after a disappointing outing at the Tashkent Grand Slam, using Linz as a chance to reset. Switzerland’s April Lynn Fohou, only 20 years old, already owns a junior world title from 2025 and a Paris Grand Slam final this season, putting her firmly among the serious contenders. Portugal’s Tais Pina arrives in good form and continues to climb the World Judo Tour rankings, while Kelly Petersen Pollard of Great Britain also looks ready to fight for the podium in a 32-strong field.

In the -81kg category, Italian judoka Antonio Esposito is on the verge of a special personal milestone. He has already claimed two Grand Prix victories on Austrian soil, in 2024 and 2025, and another triumph in Linz would underline his remarkable connection with competitions in this country. Georgian Zaur Dvalashvili, a former bronze medallist in Austria, is determined to finally grab a Grand Prix gold, and Kazakhstan’s Abylaikhan Zhubanazar will try to make an instant impact on his Linz debut. With this mix of experience and ambition, day two in Upper Austria is set to deliver high drama and maybe a few big surprises.

Source: JudoInside