1. Overview
Johanna Hagn (born 27 January 1973) is a former German judoka. She achieved significant success in the heavyweight categories, securing a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a gold medal at the 1993 World Judo Championships in Hamilton, and multiple medals at the European Judo Championships, including one gold, one silver, and one bronze.
2. Early Life and Background
Johanna Hagn was born on 27 January 1973, in Wolfratshausen, Upper Bavaria, Germany. Throughout her competitive career, she primarily competed in the +72 kg and later the +78 kg heavyweight divisions. She stands at 66 in (168 cm).
3. Competitive Career
Johanna Hagn's professional judo career saw her compete in numerous international and national tournaments, establishing herself as a formidable heavyweight judoka. This section details her most significant medal accomplishments, specific notable matches, and a comprehensive record of her competitive results.
3.1. Major International Achievements
Hagn's career was marked by several top-tier performances at the highest levels of international judo:
- Olympic Games:** She earned a bronze medal in the women's +72 kg division at the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, United States.
- World Championships:** Hagn claimed a gold medal in the women's +72 kg category at the 1993 World Judo Championships in Hamilton, Canada.
- European Championships:** She achieved notable success at the European level, winning a gold medal in the +72 kg class at the 1997 European Judo Championships in Oostende, Belgium. She also secured a silver medal in the +72 kg division at the 1996 European Judo Championships in The Hague, Netherlands, and a bronze medal in the +78 kg category at the 2000 European Judo Championships in Wrocław, Poland.
- European Junior Championships:** Earlier in her career, Hagn won a silver medal in the +72 kg category at the 1991 European Junior Judo Championships in Pieksämäki, Finland.
3.2. Notable Matches and Performances
Johanna Hagn's career included several memorable performances that highlighted her competitive spirit and skill.
At the 1993 World Judo Championships, Hagn faced Noriko Anno of Japan in the final of the +72 kg division. Despite the match seemingly favoring Anno for much of its duration, Hagn managed to score a crucial 'koka' (a minor scoring technique in judo) in the final 10 seconds, which reversed the score and secured her the gold medal.
Leading up to her Olympic bronze in 1996, Hagn showed exceptional form. At the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, she notably defeated Angelique Seriese of the Netherlands, who had been the reigning world champion in the previous year. This victory was instrumental in Hagn securing her bronze medal in the heavyweight division. Despite her strong performance at the Olympics, Hagn had not medaled at the 1995 World Judo Championships the year prior.
3.3. Detailed Competitive Record
The following is a chronological list of Johanna Hagn's notable results in various international and national tournaments. Unless otherwise specified, all results are in the +72 kg heavyweight category.
- 1991: European Junior Judo Championships, 2nd place
- 1992: Hungarian International (World Cup Budapest), 1st place
- 1993: World Championships, 1st place
- 1994: French International (Grand Slam Paris), 2nd place
- 1995: Military World Games, Open weight, 3rd place
- 1996: Russian International (Grand Slam Moscow), 3rd place
- 1996: French International, 1st place
- 1996: European Championships, 2nd place
- 1996: Atlanta Olympics, 3rd place
- 1996: Fukuoka International, 3rd place
- 1997: Czech International (World Cup Prague), 1st place
- 1997: European Championships, 1st place
- 2000: Russian International, +78 kg, 1st place
- 2000: German International (Grand Prix Düsseldorf), +78 kg, 2nd place
- 2000: European Championships, +78 kg, 3rd place
4. Legacy and Reception
As an Olympic bronze medalist and world champion, Johanna Hagn is recognized as one of Germany's prominent judokas of her era. Her achievements, particularly her come-from-behind victory at the 1993 World Championships and her Olympic medal, cemented her place in the history of German judo.