Michaela Polleres returns to top with Linz Grand Prix win

For Michaela Polleres, victory at the Upper Austria Grand Prix in Linz was more than another title on the World Judo Tour. It was a moment shared with family, friends and a packed TipsArena that had come to support one of Austria’s most successful judoka. When the final ended, the 28-year-old could barely stop smiling.

Polleres became only the second Austrian ever to win the Grand Prix in Linz, following Shamil Borchashvili’s triumph in 2023. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd she delivered a performance that combined experience, determination and a sense of occasion that few athletes are able to handle so well.

The double Olympic medallist began the day as the fifth seed in the -70kg category. Her competitive schedule has been limited in recent times; since winning her second Olympic medal at the Paris Games in 2024 she had competed only twice. Yet the Austrian arrived in Linz in excellent condition and clearly motivated to perform on home soil.

Her campaign culminated in a final against junior world champion April Lynn Fohouo of Switzerland, one of the most promising young athletes on the circuit. The match was closely contested and eventually moved into golden score, where Polleres seized her opportunity and scored ippon to secure her seventh World Judo Tour gold medal. Among those victories is also her prestigious IJF World Judo Masters title from 2022.

Once the formalities were over, Polleres faced a wave of congratulations, media interviews and photographs. Still smiling broadly, she spoke with the Austrian Judo Federation about what she described as a “perfect Saturday”.

“Winning in front of a full arena and your own supporters is something very special,” she said. “The atmosphere was incredible. People were shouting my name and on the tribune were my family, friends and many teammates from my club. I enjoyed every second.”

Her day had not started without challenges. Polleres admitted she had struggled early in the tournament, not least because she had been dealing with a heavy cold in the days leading up to the event.

“In the first match I definitely needed some time to get going,” she explained. “I wasn’t feeling at my best physically. But with every fight it improved. The highlight was definitely the final in front of a sold-out arena. That was a real goosebump moment.”

Preparation also played a decisive role. Polleres emphasised the tactical guidance she received from Austrian national coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch, who helped develop the strategy for the final.

“I was very well prepared by Yvonne,” Polleres said. “The key was to make sure April Lynn couldn’t use her favourite technique, the o-soto-gari. We managed that very well. I felt stronger during the match and believed the victory would eventually come.”

Snir-Bönisch was equally impressed by her athlete’s performance, especially considering the limited competition schedule Polleres has had recently.

“It’s remarkable how well Michi performed today,” the Austrian head coach said. “This was only her third tournament after more than a year away from regular competition. Only a truly exceptional athlete can return at this level and deliver such a performance.”

For the Austrian team the victory carried additional significance. The tournament had been challenging for the host nation until Polleres stepped on to the tatami. Her success lifted the mood of the entire delegation and reminded everyone that a single performance can change the atmosphere of a competition.

Even as the celebrations began, Polleres admitted she might need to keep them modest because of her cold. Still, there was at least one reason to mark the evening.

“We’ll definitely celebrate Magda Krssakova’s birthday at dinner,” she said with a laugh. “Maybe there will be a few drinks as well.”

For Polleres and the Austrian fans in Linz, it was already a night worth celebrating.

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