Vienna, Austria – Oliver Scharner of the JC Wimpassing judoclub secured a gold medal in the over 100 kilogram weight class at the Austria Cup in Vienna, a tournament that drew over 1,000 judoka from 19 nations. The event, considered Austria’s largest and strongest prize money tournament, saw fierce competition across the U18 and U21 classes, with the JC Wimpassing represented by four athletes.
Scharner’s victory marks a significant achievement for the young athlete and his club. The Austria Cup, held in Vienna, is a key event on the judo calendar, attracting top talent from across Europe, and beyond. The tournament’s scale and competitive level make Scharner’s gold medal particularly noteworthy.
The JC Wimpassing’s participation included fighters in both the U18 and U21 age groups, demonstrating the club’s commitment to developing judoka at all levels. While Scharner’s performance stood out, the team’s overall showing highlighted the strength of the Wimpassing program.
Following his win, Scharner was presented with a traditional “mannerschnitten” pastry as a reward, a gesture reflecting the celebratory atmosphere of the event. His coach, Adi Zeltner, expressed his approval with a “thumbs up,” acknowledging the dedication and skill Scharner demonstrated throughout the competition.
Strong Competition at the Austria Cup
The Austria Cup in Vienna, held on September 23rd and 24th, 2023, according to the ASKÖ Bezirksverband Neunkirchen, served as a crucial season opener for many judoka after the summer break. The tournament provided international competition experience for athletes like Scharner. Over 1,300 participants from 16 nations competed over two days, making it a significant event for young judoka seeking to gain experience on the international stage.
The JC Wimpassing judoka weren’t the only ones finding success at recent Austrian competitions. Earlier in 2025, at the International Austrian Cup in Zeltweg, five medals were awarded to judoka from Neunkirchen, including three bronze medals. Erik Grabner (U21/-81kg) achieved four Ippon victories, while Oliver Scharner (U21/+100kg) and Saif Islamhanov (AK/-100kg) each secured bronze with two Ippon wins, as reported by meinbezirk.at.
Scharner’s Judo Journey
Oliver Scharner, currently 19 years old, has been steadily progressing in the world of judo. According to his IJF.org profile, he placed 7th at the Paks Junior European Cup in 2023. This recent gold medal at the Austria Cup represents a significant step forward in his career, demonstrating his potential to compete at the highest levels.
The win in Vienna builds on previous successes for Scharner, who also secured a bronze medal at the International Austrian Cup in May 2025. This consistent performance highlights his dedication to the sport and his ability to deliver under pressure.
What’s Next for Scharner and the JC Wimpassing?
With the Austria Cup victory under his belt, Oliver Scharner will likely focus on preparing for upcoming national and international competitions. The JC Wimpassing will continue to support its athletes as they strive for further success. The club’s strong showing at recent tournaments suggests a bright future for judo in the Neunkirchen region. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum and achieve even greater results in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on Scharner’s impressive win? Share your comments below and let us know what you think about the future of judo in Austria!
