German judo team pulls back from Tbilisi Grand Slam

The German Judo Association (DJB) DJB withdraws its entire team from the Grand Slam in Tbilisi. After some pandemic-related failures, a decision was made for the good of the health of all athletes. In the run-up to the high-class competition, some nations, including France and Germany, came to positive results in the training camp.

Although the German women's team did not take part in the training camp, the German Association decided to pull back all athletes from the competition and to take the precautionary measures and not endanger their own athletes or other athletes, coaches or employees of the host or the IJF.

The German team had 18 athletes in Tbilisi, most over a young new generation but also some experienced top athletes who are still in a battle with compatriot such as Butkereit-Scoccimarro and Wagner-Malzahn. Malzahn was tested positive she said on her social media.

Malzahn: "I have bad news from Georgia. After three negative tests, I was tested positive here. I have to stay into the quarantine hotel. There are many other positive tests at other teams so the Judo Federations withdraw all German athletes out of precaution."

"I hope I didn’t infect anyone over the last few days and I hope that I can spend the time well. It is a risk to travel through the world and go to events, but never thought I was diagnosed myself with COVID-19. I have to stay here for the next 10 days. I can only wish that it never happens again and that no one gets in such a situation." 

The absence of France, Germany and some of the Cubans is quite a devaluation of the women’s tournament, the men’s division is still quite strong.

Next week is the Grand Slam of Antalya.