Every year the Judo Austria Awards are presented at the Bundesliga Final Four in Gmunden (November 30th, semi-finals from 2:45 p.m., final fights: 7:15 p.m.: women, 8:15 p.m.: men). There are a total of eleven categories to choose from. We open the Final Four countdown with the categories Club Coach of the Year and Official of the Year.
Club coach of the year: MANFRED DULLINGER
The resignation has been prepared for a long time. This year, at the end of the year, it will happen: Just on the club’s 40th anniversary at LZ Multikraft Wels, after more than 20 years as Bundesliga head coach, Manfred DULLINGER will step into the second row and hand over the scepter to Thomas Haminger.
In his private job he trained ÖBB apprentices, and in his private life he helped shape the careers of judo talents. The 2021 Bundesliga championship title and the Olympic bronze medal for club protégé Shamil Borchashvili were the highlights of an exemplary career. As emotional as “Dulli” acts as a coach on the edge of the mat, he presents himself as calm and calm after the fight is over (sore-made). He not only trains the multi-strength talents twice a week, but also feeds them as a dedicated grill master. Manfred Dullinger’s reputation as a team player is legendary.
In 2024, one of his long-time protégés, Wachid Borchashvili, once again made it to the Olympics. This was definitely to be expected. Much more surprising was LZ Multikraft Wels’ first place in the Bundesliga regular season. First place after 8 laps was a first even for a warrior like Manfred Dullinger. Will title number 2 follow on Saturday in Gmunden?
Official of the year: MICHAEL ÜBL
The marmot greets you every day: Where is Michi? A question that is asked countless times at Austrian judo events. Michael ÜBL, chairman of the Krems Judo Center, acts as a technology administrator in the Austrian Judo Association and ensures that the IT and competition management runs smoothly on countless weekends.
The 27-year-old from Lower Austria was responsible for the introduction of the new competition software and the IJF care system in Austria and is responsible for the competition director training. It is traditionally available to all regional associations and clubs for all kinds of IT questions. Michi’s work usually begins long before the actual event and he is traditionally the first in the hall during competitions to start setting up, laying cables, installing internet hotspots, etc.
At the Upper Austrian Grand Prix in Linz, Michael Übl acts as an interface in all technical questions with the organizational team, judo association and the IJF, and at the Austrian Dan College he took over the management of the tournament department (from Thomas Stückler). Last but not least, the “Troubleshooter” has had the EJU Computer Team license since this year.
Michi, you are currently irreplaceable for the ÖJV – thank you for that.
