Eleven British judoka compete at the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026, targeting crucial ranking points for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The high-profile Swiss tournament also featured a major contract signing for the 2028 world championships and the integration of deaf athletes onto the competition tatami.
Contract Signing Secures 2028 World Championships for Switzerland
Before competition officially got underway at the Vaudoise Arena, International Judo Federation president Mr Marius Vizer and Swiss Judo Federation president Sergei Ashchwanden signed a formal contract bringing the 2028 world championships to the country. Following the signing, President Vizer officially opened the grand slam event.
The opening ceremony drew a roster of high-ranking regional and sporting officials to the venue. Speeches were delivered by Ms Emilie Moëschler, Director of Sports and Social Cohesion for Lausanne; Ms Christelle Luisier Brodard, President of the Council of State of Vaud; Mr Sergei Aschwanden; and Mr Demien Antoine, President of the Deaf International Judo Federation. Adding to the historical weight of the day, Kazuhiro Mikami Sensei received his 10th dan, marking the highest rank achievable in judo.
Adaptive Integration and Elite Mat Action in Lausanne
Organizers expanded the scope of elite competition by immersing deaf judoka directly into the Grand Slam schedule, allowing them to take to the tatami alongside their world tour peers in a deliberate display of sporting unity.
In the women’s -63kg category, Angelika Szymanska pounced on a failed attack from Manon Deketer, deploying a trademark arm lock to secure victory. Mr Christoph Dubi, IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, stepped onto the floor to award the medals.
The -73kg final played out under the watchful eye of Swiss World Champion Nils Stump. Daniel Cargnin mounted a successful comeback with a massive counter to claim the gold medal, receiving his award from ASOIF President Mr Ingmar de Vos.
European Contenders Claim Gold Across Weight Classes
Germany dominated the women’s -70kg division as Miriam Butkereit and Giovanna Scoccimarro advanced to the final round.
In the -81kg category, Abylaikhan Zhubanazar executed a lightning-fast foot sweep to secure a yuko score and capture the gold medal. IOC Member Mr Mustapha Berraf presented the podium awards.
The host nation found plenty to cheer about as the Swiss team posted strong performances throughout the second day of competition, capped by Aurelien Bonferroni fighting his way to a bronze medal for the home crowd.
British Contingent Targets LA 2028 Ranking Points
The Lausanne event serves as a crucial stop for athletes navigating the qualification pathway toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Charlie Ayre returned to action in the -60kg division following his Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Glasgow, carrying momentum from a silver finish at the Qingdao Grand Prix. Ethan Nairne entered the -73kg division following a breakthrough campaign that featured gold at the Grand Prix Upper Austria and a Commonwealth Games title. Meanwhile, Emma Reid competed in the -78kg category fresh from securing a second consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal last month.
What Lies Ahead on the IJF World Tour
With the opening rounds and second-day medal ceremonies concluded, competitors turn their focus toward the final day of matches at the Vaudoise Arena.
