Season kick-off with 30st Edition of the trainingcamp in Mittersill

As customary, the new year launches with several training camps, notably the renowned and bustling one in Mittersill, Austria. This enduring and enjoyable tradition amalgamates rigorous training with pleasant surroundings in the Austrian Alps. With a surplus of training partners across weight categories and over 900 athletes representing 55 nations converging in a town of merely 5000 residents, the judoka flourish at the annual Sporthotel Kogler training facility.

The prelude to the Games has commenced, marking the culmination of the season for several international elite judoka following the Grand Slam in Tokyo at the start of December. While some concluded their participation there, others continued to compete at various events, including the Champions League, the European Club Championships in Belgrade, and a special gathering at the European Championships for U57kg and U73kg categories in Pristina, which served as Kosovo's first official major championship.

Austrian tradition prevails in Mittersill, featuring a converted tennis hall adorned with 1500 square meters of yellow and blue mats, offering 29 training sessions. Amidst these sessions, the option to partake in snowy escapades is readily available, providing a delightful diversion. This year is the 30st edition.

In this Olympic year, the pursuit of minimizing risks remains paramount. However, the allure of the picturesque snow serves as an exception for those athletes adept at breaking their falls (ukemi). For them, it's a moment of sheer pleasure amidst the rigorous training, characterized not by snow but by copious amounts of sweat.

Mittersill plays host to a constellation of top stars, boasting nine Olympic champions on the mat and four World Champions from Doha 2023, assuring a blend of both quality and quantity in this gathering.