Flagbearers in judo: Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Michaela Polleres is a prominent judoka representing Austria. Residing in Ternitz, Michaela, affectionately known as "Michi," has made significant strides in the world of judo. On Friday she will be the flagbearer for her country representing her sport.

Born in 1997, in Neunkirchen, Michaela's journey in judo began at the age of eight in 2005, inspired by a captivating presentation at her school in Wimpassing. Drawn to the sport, she joined Judoclub Wimpassing Sparkasse, where she has trained ever since. Her coaches include Yvonne Snir-Boenisch and Adi Zeltner, and she often trains in Wimpassing or Linz with fellow athletes.

Michaela's judo career is decorated with numerous accolades. She made her international senior debut at the 2015 European Open in Oberwart. Among her notable achievements, she won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the -70kg category, narrowly missing gold to Japan's Chizuru Arai. Michaela also clinched bronze at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and has twice medaled at the World Championships, earning bronze in 2021 and 2023. Her success continued at the 2023 IJF World Masters in Jerusalem and the 2024 Grand Slam in Dushanbe, where she took gold.

Her competitive record is impressive. At the World Championships, she placed third in Budapest in 2021 and fifth in Tokyo in 2019. Michaela has also excelled in European Championships, World Masters, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and World Cup events, securing numerous top-three finishes. Her dedication and skill have earned her the Gold Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria in 2021.

Beyond her achievements, Michaela is known for her resilience and determination, embodying her motto, "Always get up more often than you fall down." She draws inspiration from judoka Yvonne Boenisch, the 2004 Olympic -57kg champion, and has a deep respect for her coaches and training partners.

Michaela's ambitions are high as she aims for Olympic gold in Paris. Despite facing challenges, including a collateral ligament injury in her right knee in 2023, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Her hobbies, including snowboarding, baking, and hiking, provide a balance to her rigorous training regimen.

Michaela Polleres stands as a beacon of determination and success in the judo world, carrying the hopes of Austria as she prepares for future competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Friday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Faye Njie (GAM)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Izayana Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Larisa Ceric (BIH)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora Gjakova (KOS)

Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)

Thomas Mlugu (TAN)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE)