After the Junior World Championship gold, the next big success
– Elena Dengg’s (-70kg / Sanjindo Bischofshofen) incredible winning streak continues! While the AK and U18 national championships took place in Straßwalchen, 20-year-old Maria Pfarrerin is now celebrating her second major title win of the year at the U23 European Championships in Pila (POL) after this year’s Junior World Championship title.
After her opening win against Claudia Sperotti (ITA) in the Golden Score, she defeated the strong German Sarah Mehlau with Seoi-Nage before moving into the final in the semifinals against the Polish Alexandra Kowalewska after a strong fight. The 2-time U23 European champion Samira Bock from Germany was waiting there. Elena fought tactically cleverly, gave Bock no chance and ultimately defeated her with a counterattack technique and thus won gold for Austria.
“This difficult year couldn’t have ended better for me. Because of the many injuries, first my thumb, then my rib and knee, it was my most difficult year. With two gold medals, first at the Junior World Championships and now at the Under-23 European Championships, I have more than fulfilled my goal for the season and it is also the best year of my career so far. I had to miss the Junior European Championships, as well as the European Championships for the general class. Now I have won a second title. This shows that you must never give up and always give 100 percent. Then you will be rewarded in the end.”Elena beamed.
