In his “old age” he is becoming an international judo star – Ernst Leidenfrostveteran of Vienna Samurai, won gold at the European Veterans Cup in Hamburg! The 60-year-old, who narrowly missed out on bronze at the European Championships in June, finishing fifth in the “Oldies”, won his three fights up to 90 kilos. The Tyrolean even won gold twice Reinhold Kurz.
A few years ago, the railway worker was not well. COVID had hit him pretty hard, and he is now retired due to illness. But judo? Yes, judo is still fun for “Ernstl”, as he is called by friends from Leopoldstadt and others. Four judoka in his age and weight class had climbed onto the tatami in Hamburg, but his three opponents had no chance! The first one proved to be stubborn, Marjan Dimeski from Macedonia, who defeated Leidenfrost in the Golden Score. Then two Germans were waiting. The first, Martin ErnstLeidenfrost ipponized after only 30 seconds. The second, a policeman named JJürgen Wagnergot off the mat three times. This meant three Shido, a “red card” and Hansokumake for the former European Police Champion – and gold for the almost indestructible Samurai. Congratulations, dear Ernstl, from the Viennese Judo family!
All four red-white-red judoka placed in the Hanseatic city. In addition to Leidenfrost, Reinhold Kurz from the WSG Wattens Gold – even twice up to 81 kilos (in the categories M7 and M8). “I wanted to fight a lot, so I also took part in the Newaza category and won all the fights with Ippon,” laughs the Tyrolean. The Styrian was also Manuel Schantl Second up to 73 kilos. And Helmut Kulhanek came seventh in the 66 kilo category. A total of 196 judoka from 27 countries and three continents took part in this European Veterans Cup. Germany (23/29/23) was by far the most successful nation, ahead of Poland (7/3/5) and Ukraine (3/2/5). France and Austria (each 3/1/0) were in second place. Impressive!
There is still a highlight waiting for the veterans this year – the World Championships will take place in Las Vegas from November 4th to 7th, for which there is now a seeding list. Therefore, points are also very important in this age group. Incidentally, there is already a highlight next Saturday in Linz’s Solarcity with the “Austrian Masters”, the Austrian over-30 championship.
Photo: European Cup victories for Ernst LEIDENFROST (right) and Reinhold KURZ – @privat zVg
