British Silverware at the Grand Prix Upper Austria, Podgorica, and Portimão European Cups

This past weekend was another triumph for British Judo on the international stage, as athletes competing in the Grand Prix Upper Austria, the Podgorica Senior European Cup, and the Portimão Junior European Cup brought home a strong haul of medals.

Grand Prix Upper Austria

Emma Reid (Redbridge JC) claimed a silver medal at the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz, delivering a quality performance at a top-level event, her first since Paris 2024. She had a flawless start, winning her first three bouts by Ippon without giving up a single score. This dominant run secured her place in the final, facing a tough Ukrainian opponent and the eventual gold medallist.

Oliver Short (Edinburgh Judo) was the next most successful British competitor, securing an impressive Ippon victory in the round of 32. However, his run ended in the round of 16.

The rest of the British team in Linz also delivered promising performances. Chloe Link (Relentless Judo) and Summer Shaw (Camberley Judo Club), both based at the National Training Centre in Walsall, made their debuts on the IJF World Tour. Although they lost their opening bouts, they put up strong fights and showed great potential for the future. Luke Davies (Ealing Judo Club), also competing in his first Grand Prix, gained valuable experience on the big stage.

Podgorica Senior European Cup

Twelve British judoka travelled to Montenegro and returned with an impressive five medals.

Charlie Young (Ryecroft Judokwai) was the first to reach the podium, securing silver in the -66kg category. He delivered a strong performance throughout the day, advancing from the round of 32 to the semifinals with ease. Despite his best efforts, he was narrowly defeated in the final in the dying moments.

Irakli Goginashvili (Palavani) was the only other British medallist on Day 1, claiming an impressive bronze in the -73kg category and continuing his strong form in 2025.

Day 2 in Podgorica saw three more British judoka secure bronze medals. Jamal Petgrave (Westcroft Judo) in the -90kg category, Max Gregory (Drake Judo Club) in the -100kg category, and Wesley Greenidge (Enfield Judo Club) in the +100kg category, rounding off a successful competition for the team.

Portimao Junior European Cup

Nine British athletes competed in Portugal, with Anya Hassan (Middlesbrough Judo) securing a brilliant bronze in the -78kg category. After a setback in her opening match, she bounced back in the repechage, winning both bouts with decisive Ippons. In the final block, she delivered an outstanding performance, claiming victory in just 46 seconds, once again by Ippon.

Maddy Kissenisky (East Yorkshire Judo Academy) came close to a podium finish, narrowly missing out on bronze and settling for a strong 5th place. Daniel Ede (Westcroft Judo) also secured a 5th-place finish in the +100kg category, rounding off a solid showing for GB.