Next stop: Tweed Heads for Australian Adaptive Judo Games
Three Aussies hit the mat today in Switzerland a historic event for world judo, the 2026 Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam that is actually three events in one. It’s a very special warmup for the upcoming Australian Adaptive Judo Games taking place in Tweed Heads next month.
Not only is Lausanne hosting the international points event and World Judo Tour Grand Slam, the same mats at the same time will run an Adapted Judo Grand Slam, and the Deaf Judo Masters Top 18.
Expected to be telecast via Judo Manager from approximately 4.30pm (AEST) this afternoon, three Australian judoka will compete in the Ecole Mont-Olivet Adaptive Judo Grand Slam.
The first round draw will see Adelaide’s Liam Hudson take on British judoka Stanley Walker in the L1 U73kg.
Perth’s Robert Girdwood will test himself in a round robin against two British players, Solomon Rice, then Dominic Beesley in the L1 U90kg.
In the women’s division, Adelaide judoka Lillee Wakefield will bow on against France’s Nadége Humeau in a best of three in the L1 +70kg.
Representing the Adaptive community at the draw overnight were two luminaries in the field who will soon be in Australia to share their experience developing Adaptive Judo in Europe, and work directly with Australian coaches and adaptive judo athletes.
Lausanne draw saw IJF directors Vladimir Barta, Kosei Inoue and Armen Bagdasarov joined by Swiss Judo Federation President Sergei Aschwanden and IJF Inclusion Commission members Marina Drascovic and Kerry Tansey (far left).
Marina Drascovic and Kerry Tansey are the star speakers at the Australian Adaptive Judo Games, taking place in Tweed Heads from September 11-13.
Drascovic and Tansey represented the IJF Inclusion Commission yesterday in Lausanne for the draw in the 2026 Ecole Mont Olivet Adapted Judo Gram.
Along with IJF Head Sport Director Vladimir Barta, IJF Sport Director Kosei Inoue and IJF Head Referee Director Armen Bagdasarov were joined by Swiss Judo Federation President Sergei Aschwanden, the adaptive judo specialists celebrated the historic inclusion.
“The adapted community is truly proud to be here and we are looking forward to many great contests,” Draskovic said.
“It is the first time in history that this has happened in this format, with our judoka competing alongside World Judo Tour athletes. Through this initiative, we are changing the narrative and setting an example for many organisations around the world.”
Australia’s judo community looks forward to welcoming Marina Drascovic and Kerry Tansey to Australia next month: register now for the Australian Adaptive Judo Games and workshops.
