Prenzlau’s well-known and successful judoka Juliane Gleboczyk has returned from her fifth participation in a world championship. The 43-year-old took part as one of more than 1,000 participants in the “Las Vegas World Championship”, which took place in the USA from November 4th to 7th.
Her participation in the competition was made possible by the Prenzlauer Judo-Sportverein eV, which covered the costs of the entry fee and, above all, her personal sponsor Tom Kurzeia, owner of Prenzlauer Schrott-Recycling GmbH. Without his support, the single mother of one son would not be able to cover the costs of such trips. Because each competitor has to arrange their own travel and accommodation, explained the athlete.
An unforgettable adventure
“I’m so incredibly grateful to Tom that I was able to experience all of this. Last year I was in Abu Dhabi with his help. Now I’m flying to Las Vegas for the World Cup, it’s absolute madness. He took me on an adventure unforgettable moments on and off the mat,” said Juliane Gleboczyk, who is known as “Jule” by her friends.
A small souvenir for the athlete’s sponsor. Also a limoncello as a reminder of the “journey” together. (Photo: Cindy Mutschler)
After their return and the jet lag, the two friends met in the Prenzlau pizzeria “Semper Roma”. The place where the sponsorship agreement was sealed two years ago in a fun spirit with one or more limoncellos. A mutual friend had the idea that the businessman could become the judo fighter’s personal sponsor. And so it happened, Tom Kurzeia quickly decided based on his gut, that’s how it would always be when he was enthusiastic about something, he admitted.
Also a mental support
“It is financially possible for me to help athletes and enable them to take part in competitions, without any demands for success. I also just wished Jule a lot of fun in Las Vegas,” said the entrepreneur, who is involved in numerous other clubs and organizations in the Uckermark.
And it wasn’t just financially that her sponsor was a great support to her in the USA, said the judo ace: “We spoke on the phone before the competition. He had such a great way of calming my excitement and made me feel good about it I thank Tom very much too.”
Sponsor is still proud
Unfortunately, to her regret, it wasn’t enough for a medal. She would have loved to get one of the top three places. Instead, she finished fifth in her age and weight class. Just like the overall ranking of the German team, which also reached fifth place out of 67 participating nations. “I think it’s an excellent achievement even without a medal,” said her sponsor proudly.
Juliane Gleboczyk announced in an interview with the Uckermark Kurier that she would be taking a break from international competitions in 2025. “It’s incredibly strenuous, the many months of training before a World Cup and the mental pressure before the fights. I’m concentrating on national competitions, but I don’t rule out competing at the World Cup again at some point,” said the athlete.
