Why do you think the win in Linz arrived after years of no medals; why now?
“I think it was a combination of a lot of losing, learning and setbacks. I’ve lost a lot so that I could win on that day. The competition at -73 kg at home has helped push all of us and that’s a good thing.” The category in Great Britain at the moment includes Benjamin Levy, a medallist at this year’s Paris Grand Slam, Irakli Goginashvili, current junior European champion, and others with results at open and cup levels.
“Also this year there’s been a fresh start for me. I’m in a new living situation and it’s helped me set new habits and live with more discipline.”
What are your aims for 2026?
“My aims haven’t changed since Linz. I want to get a European and a world medal and win the Commonwealth Games. I’m still just as focused on those things.”
At the 2026 Upper Austria Grand Prix, Nairne beat no less than three Olympic medallists to reach the final. Adil Osmanov (MDA), Fabio Basile (ITA) and Daniel Cargnin (BRA) had seemed like an impossible gauntlet for the 23 year old Brit but with composure and unshakeable focus, he simply got down to work and picked them off, one by one. The 2026 Upper Austria Grand Prix gold is his first World Judo Tour medal.
“That day has put me in a great spot, moving me into the number one slot for GBR. I’m now qualified for the European Championships in Tbilisi next month and so my original plan is still in place. I was the third in line out of us three (Nairne, Levy and Goginashvili) and so I didn’t hesitate to say yes to the events I was offered, including Linz. I knew I might not have another chance so I took the chance I had and won the gold.”
Nairne’s choices have been courageous in the planning stages of his year and have been courageous on the competition mat. His bravery will be tested further as he heads to the continental championships but Ethan Nairne is clear that he is ready to be courageous and focused all over again in Georgia.