1. Overview
Florian Wanner is a German judoka who notably became a World Champion in 2003 in the -81 kg category. He also earned a bronze medal at the European Judo Championships and was a European Junior Champion. Wanner participated in two Olympic Games, the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
2. Early Life and Background
Florian Wanner (Florian WannerGerman) was born on February 2, 1978, in Wolfratshausen, a town located in Upper Bavaria, Germany. He stands 71 in (181 cm) tall. Wanner dedicated his career to judo, eventually achieving the rank of a 5th degree black belt.
3. Judo Career
Florian Wanner's judo career spanned over a decade, marked by significant achievements in both junior and senior international competitions, primarily in the -81 kg (half middleweight) category. His progression from a promising junior to a world-class senior athlete highlights his dedication and skill in the sport.
3.1. Junior Career and Early Success
Wanner first achieved international prominence during his junior career, demonstrating his early potential. In 1997, he secured the championship title at the European Junior Judo Championships held in Ljubljana, competing in the -78 kg category. This victory marked a significant milestone in his formative years as a judoka.
3.2. Major International Competition Achievements
Wanner's senior career saw him compete at the highest levels of international judo, culminating in a world championship title and multiple appearances at prestigious events such as the World Championships, Olympic Games, and European Championships.
3.2.1. World Championships
Wanner's most significant achievement came at the 2003 World Judo Championships held in Osaka, Japan. Competing in the men's -81 kg category, he showcased exceptional skill and resilience. In the semifinal match, Wanner faced Yoshihiro Akiyama of Japan. Despite trailing by a shido penalty, Wanner executed a decisive osoto-makikomi (major outer winding throw) just before the end of the match, securing an ippon and a dramatic come-from-behind victory. In the final, he confronted Sergei Aschwanden of Switzerland. Wanner defeated Aschwanden with a kosoto-gari (minor outer reaping throw) for an ippon, earning him the gold medal and the esteemed title of World Champion.
3.2.2. Olympic Games
Wanner represented Germany in two editions of the Summer Olympic Games, which are considered the pinnacle of athletic competition. At the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, he competed in the men's 81 kg division but was eliminated in the third round. Four years later, at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, he once again competed in the men's 81 kg category. He reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, ultimately finishing in 7th place.
3.2.3. European Championships
Wanner also achieved notable success at the European Judo Championships, one of the premier continental competitions. In 2003, competing in Düsseldorf, Germany, he secured a bronze medal in the -81 kg category, adding another significant accolade to his record. Prior to this, he had also participated in the 2002 European Championships, where he finished in 7th place.
3.3. Other International and Domestic Competitions
Beyond the major championships, Wanner demonstrated consistent performance in various international and domestic tournaments, showcasing his competitive spirit and skill throughout his career. In 2002, he achieved second place at the German Judo Open (formerly known as the Grand Prix Düsseldorf), a significant national tournament. In the same year, he also secured a victory, taking first place at the Qingdao International Judo Tournament held in China. The following year, in 2003, he continued his strong performance by earning a bronze medal at the German Open.
4. Major Results
The following table details Florian Wanner's key results and placements throughout his competitive judo career:
| Year | Tournament | Place | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | European Junior Judo Championships | 1st | -78 kg |
| 2002 | German Judo Open | 2nd | -81 kg |
| 2002 | Qingdao International Judo Tournament | 1st | -81 kg |
| 2002 | European Judo Championships | 7th | -81 kg |
| 2003 | German Judo Open | 3rd | -81 kg |
| 2003 | World Judo Championships | 1st | -81 kg |
| 2003 | European Judo Championships | 3rd | -81 kg |
| 2004 | Olympic Games | 7th | -81 kg |
5. External Links
- [https://www.ijf.org/judoka/52924 Florian Wanner at International Judo Federation]
- [https://www.judoinside.com/judoka/2232 Florian Wanner at Judoinside]
- [https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/92320 Florian Wanner at Olympedia]
- [https://www.the-sports.org/judo-wanner-florian-s22-c2-b2-f4391.html Florian Wanner at The-Sports.org]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20161204/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/wa/florian-wanner-1.html Florian Wanner at Sports Reference (archived)]