In the pretty town of Linz in the Upper Austrian region, the welcome, the ease with which arrival and settling in happens, the permanent open arms of the volunteers, all make for an enjoyable weekend. Competing can be stressful but in Linz, every effort is made to keep the path smooth and clear from obstacles.
The warm-up spaces are calm, even smiles can be found among the concentrated gazes.
Home favourite Bernd Fasching will compete on day 2; it’s his 4th appearance in as many editions of the grand prix. He simply tested the waters in the first year, then placed fifth in his second. In 2025, he found his rhythm and gave his audience something to cheer about when he stepped on to the podium in third place. He’s back and wanting to improve his placing once more.
Aoife Coughlan is back after her victory last year, travelling all the way from Australia, such is the draw of Austria’s flagship event. Can she do it again?
2016 Olympic champion Fabio Basile (ITA) is also back in Linz. He won a bronze in the first edition in 2023 and is looking for a new medal but in this familiar place.
Italy’s Antonio Esposito is also returning, aiming at an unprecedented hat-trick. He won gold in 2024 and 2025, the first of those offering him a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games where he placed 5th. This is a special place for Esposito.
We are almost halfway through the 2026 Upper Austria Grand Prix already, an event that passes so fast because we all enjoy it so much. Thank you to the Austrian Judo Federation for delivering the most welcoming of environments, a place where everyone has the chance to do their best.
