Sadly, I will not be stepping onto the mat at the home European Championships in Heidelberg from 14 to 16 August.
In para judo, we are allocated to sport classes on the basis of an ophthalmological classification. My scheduled classification review could not be completed on Tuesday, and further ophthalmological examinations were requested. I underwent them that same afternoon. The documentation has been with the world federation ever since. What that means: no decision has yet been taken on my current sport class J1. While the procedure is running, however, I am not permitted to compete. Under the rules it is continued at the next available opportunity. That would be the World Championships in Georgia in September.
My national federation, the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS), has also published a press release on this.
Ever since these European Championships were awarded to Heidelberg, I have been looking forward to this weekend. Family, friends and companions wanted to see me compete here in person again, many of them from the region and from my home in northern Germany.
In Heidelberg I am on the mat in training every day, and this is where I was fortunate enough to win the Grand Prix in 2024. This would have been the big day, my chance to compete successfully at these home European Championships. I was ready to defend my title. I would have loved to fight.
For me, respect for the rules is part of judo. I accept the procedure. Together with my team I have prepared everything needed for the classification to be completed.
I have learned over the past years that paths are rarely straight.
I wanted to do my bit for these home European Championships on the mat. Now I will do it from the stands. The World Championships in September are the next sporting highlight of my year. If the procedure has been completed by then, it would be an honour to fight my second World Championships.
Beyond that I keep working towards my second Paralympic Games: Los Angeles 2028. Qualification has already begun, and I train every day for that goal beyond the goal. L.A. 28! Judo is and remains my passion.
To everyone who wanted to come and support me: come anyway! These European Championships are a celebration of our sport. I wish all athletes a great event, and I will be keeping my fingers crossed especially for our German team. Good luck!
There is nothing more to say about the ongoing procedure at this stage. Further questions will be answered by the DBS press office.
Thank you for your understanding.
See you back on the mat soon!
Lennart