Famous German womenscoach Norbert Littkopf bows out

Norbert Littkopf, former women’s national judo coach and beloved figure in German judo, passed away last Friday after a lengthy illness. He celebrated his 80th birthday in July, surrounded by family and his most successful athletes, though he was already visibly impacted by his illness.

Known affectionately as "Nobsch," Littkopf began his judo journey in 1961. Although he started later in life, he made up for lost time with an impressive coaching career that spanned nearly five decades. After switching colleges from Greifswald to Leipzig to pursue his passion, Littkopf earned his coaching diploma in 1969. His early coaching years included a three-year tenure with junior athletes before he was promoted to the senior men’s team in Leipzig. From 1990 to 2008, he led the women’s national team, guiding them to numerous international achievements, including Johanna Hagn’s World Championship victory and Yvonne Bönisch’s Olympic gold in Athens in 2004.

Littkopf’s record includes 82 international medals across the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships, an outstanding legacy with 19 gold, 15 silver, and 48 bronze medals. Twice named Europe’s Coach of the Year, he was a father figure to his athletes, inspiring them with his fairness, unity, and an unyielding team spirit that fueled their confidence and dedication. Former athlete Annett Böhm remembers him as “an extraordinary person,” a sentiment shared by countless others whose lives he touched.

Beyond judo, Littkopf was a talented musician, skilled in ten instruments, and often lifted the mood at training camps and events with his music. His presence and spirit will be deeply missed in the judo community. Heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Marlies and family as Germany’s judo community remembers and honors his legacy.