The curtain came down on the inaugural ECOLE MONT-OLIVET Grand Slam in Lausanne with a final day that delivered exactly what the organisers had promised: high‑octane judo, a celebration of inclusivity, and a string of finals that kept the Vaudoise Arena buzzing until the last contest.
Before the medal matches got underway, the crowd was treated to a special moment when double world champion Joshiro Maruyama of Japan teamed up with Croatia's Petra Orešković for an inclusive kata demonstration. The pair moved in unison, blending traditional technique with a message that judo belongs to everyone. The adaptive judo competition, which had opened the event on the same mats, reached its emotional climax earlier in the day, with the medalists joining the spectators in a round of applause that underlined the spirit of the gathering.
Swiss fans turned out in force to witness the first Grand Slam ever held in their country, and they were rewarded with a display of skill and sportsmanship that bodes well for the event's future. Among the distinguished guests watching from the stands were International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer and IOC Sports Director Pierre Ducrey.
Uzbek showdown at -90 kg
The -90 kg final was an all‑Uzbek affair, pitting Umar Bozorov against Nurbek Murtozoev. After a tense, tactical opening, Bozorov produced a massive pick‑up technique that earned him the decisive score and his second Grand Slam title. The two rivals exchanged a warm embrace afterwards, a gesture that resonated with the crowd. Azizjon Kamilov, President of the Uzbekistan Judo Federation, presented the medals.
Olek and Sulamanidze shine
In the -78 kg category, Germany's Anna Monta Olek faced Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko of Ukraine. Olek, who had already tasted Grand Slam success four times, showed her class by countering her opponent for a waza‑ari and then controlling the remainder of the contest to secure her fifth gold. The joy on her face was unmistakable as she celebrated with her coaching team. IJF guest Timur Kemell handed over the gold medal.
The -100 kg final saw Ilia Sulamanidze of Georgia take on Simeon Catharina of the Netherlands. Sulamanidze caught Catharina with a well‑timed foot sweep and immediately transitioned to the ground, pinning his opponent for a yuko. That score proved enough to seal the victory, capping off a superb day for the Georgian. Almaz Alsenov, CEO of Harvest Group, awarded the medals.
French double and Tasoev's dominance
The +78 kg final was an all‑French duel between Léa Fontaine and Romane Dicko. Fontaine managed to turn her compatriot onto her back and secure a pin, earning an ippon and the gold. Stéphane Nomis, President of France Judo, was on hand to present the medals.
In the heavyweight +100 kg category, world champion Inal Tasoev of Russia once again proved why he is the man to beat. Facing a resurgent Martti Puumalainen of Finland, Tasoev hooked his opponent's leg and drove him into the mat for a decisive score, adding another Grand Slam gold to his collection.
The success of the Lausanne event is part of a broader trend of judo expanding its footprint across Europe. Earlier this year, Cyprus celebrated its first Grand Prix title in Lima, while the Lima Grand Prix produced several first‑time champions. The Lausanne Grand Slam, however, holds a special place as the first of its kind in Switzerland, a country known for its sporting excellence and its ability to host major events.
As the athletes packed their bags and the Vaudoise Arena fell quiet, the message from Lausanne was clear: this was not just a one‑off. The combination of world‑class judo, a warm local welcome, and a commitment to inclusivity suggests that the Grand Slam has found a permanent home in the heart of French‑speaking Switzerland.
