Germany dominate at 2017 World Championships for Judoka

By German NPC and German Judo Federation

Hosts Germany put in an incredible performance at the 2017 World Championships for Judoka in Cologne between 21-22 October, winning seven titles, 17 silver and 17 bronze medals at the first edition of the event.

A total of 106 athletes from 13 countries competed in two sport classes in 23 weight categories. The competition was sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) as part of the development of judo. It was organized by the German National Paralympic Committee and German Judo Federation.

Judokas from Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Croatia, Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Sweden, Great Britain and Germany competed.

Athletes were separated into two ‘levels’ according to their functional ability. Judoka in level 1 are able to compete against able bodied athletes and can carry out most techniques. Those in level 2 are able to do a smaller number of techniques.

Germany’s Jennifer Strauss claimed the first gold on offer in the women’s up to 48kg, level 2.

Michaela Stutz (women’s up to 52kg, level 1); Jasmin Siebelitz (women’s up to 63kg, level 1); Carina Niemeyer (women’s up to 78kg, level 1); Andreas Gramsch (men’s up to 60kg, level 1); Timo Karmasch (men’s up to 90kg, level 1) and Christine Schlachter (women’s over 78kg, level 2) secured the other titles for Germany.

Among the guests of honour were Friedhelm Julius Beucher, President of the German Disabled Sports Association/National Paralympic Committee of Germany. Cologne’s Lord Mayor Henriette Reker also attended.

The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Klaus-Peter Gdowczok of VG Project e. V., thanked all participants, volunteers and supporters who made the event a success.

The competition also attracted the patronage of Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The event was made possible by the Gold Kraemer Foundation, the Kämpgen Foundation, Gemeinnützige Werkstätten Köln GmbH and Alexianer Werkstätten GmbH.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

World Intellectual Impairment Sport represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. We give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the people with intellectual impairments in society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference. Find out more