Lausanne’s Adapted Judoka Take Centre Stage

Adapted judoka competed in the Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) divisions at the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026, performing in the same major-event setting as leading mainstream judoka. Their presence made the Lausanne tournament a powerful showcase for the continued growth of adapted judo.

The final medal table underlined that international progress. Medal winners came from 12 nations, with Great Britain finishing clearly ahead after collecting eight gold, five silver and three bronze medals.

Israel followed with two gold, one silver and one bronze, while Australia placed third in the table with two gold and one bronze. For the British team, the result was the standout European achievement of the adapted judo competition.

Great Britain led a medal table featuring athletes from 12 nations.

But the numbers did not tell the full story in Lausanne. Across the rounds, adapted judoka showed the technical level, preparation and competitive focus expected on a major judo stage. Each contest also carried the individual stories of athletes who had earned their place in the spotlight.

The message was straightforward: this is judo. The same sport includes the same nerves before a contest, the same determination to succeed, and the same mix of victories and disappointments afterwards. Adapted judoka are elite athletes within their own field, and their performances in Lausanne reinforced why inclusion must keep moving forward.

Sharing the environment of a Grand Slam with the world’s leading mainstream judoka gave the competition added meaning. It showed adapted judo not as a side note, but as a visible and valued part of the sport’s wider future.

In Lausanne, adapted judo had the major-event stage it deserves.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union