In the warm-up spaces at either end of the Tips Arena in Linz, athletes made their final preparations for the 5 lightest weight categories to get underway. Technical analysis, stretching exercises, nage-komi, gripping sequences; every element of performance judo was visible.
Occasional smiles but mostly concentration could be found on the faces of those getting ready to compete. There is much to enjoy in Austria but the main task of competing is a serious business. Just weeks remain before the Olympic qualification period opens and that brings its own complications and planning anomalies. So, for now, with Los Angeles still two years away, the jostling for position is only just beginning.
As all the teams move from the warm-up mats to the main contest areas and athlete tribunes, as he first ‘hajime’ is sounded, the atmosphere behind the scenes changes and calms and this much anticipated weekend of judo is underway.
Thank you Linz for all your organisation and diligence; now the rest is up to the athletes… Let’s go!
