Two dedicated judo enthusiasts from Hamburg have navigated their paths from local clubs to the international stage, as coach and athlete, and husband and wife. Their professional partnership in the earlier years and shared passion for judo set up a successful pathway for the pair, but their relationship off the judo mat guides their team oriented mindset to reach goals together.
VIS scholarship holders Leon Sejranovic, Katharina Haecker and Caitlin Parker were all recognised at the Combat Australia awards this week. Parkers haul of three awards acknowledged her outstanding year in the boxing ring, which included qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Brothers Tom and Will Afonczenko competed with and against each other throughout their taekwondo careers. Following their recent decisions to retire, the former VIS athletes reflect upon their sporting journeys and muse on life beyond the mat.
Australian Olympian and judoka, Katharina Haecker, is fresh from a bronze medal win at the 2023 Judo Grand Slam. Yet at the top of her game it’s not always her work ethic, physical strength or commitment that gives her a competitive advantage.