Braydon Robus Set for a Landmark Adapted Judo Moment in Lausanne

Braydon Robus will compete in adapted judo at the 2026 Lausanne Grand Slam, stepping onto the tatami at Vaudoise Arena on Friday, 28 August. For the 18-year-old British judoka, it will be his biggest competition venue so far — and part of a significant first for the IJF World Judo Tour.

The Lausanne Grand Slam will be Switzerland’s first World Judo Tour Grand Slam, running from 28 to 30 August. Its programme will bring elite and adapted judoka into the same Grand Slam environment, with Para-judo and Deaf-judo also included across the wider event.

For Braydon, the chance to compete on this stage is the result of a major family effort. His mother Janine and father Chris have spent the past two years finding ways to take Braydon and his sister Sophia to competitions around Europe. That has meant extra work, grant applications and a GoFundMe page, while driving is often chosen over flying to reduce costs.

This week, Janine will drive the family from Britain to Lausanne. Chris sometimes remains at home while Janine travels with the children, another practical decision aimed at keeping expenses manageable.

The family says the commitment is worthwhile because of what competition offers beyond results. Meeting others who understand them and do not judge how they present or act has supported Braydon and Sophia’s development into adulthood.

Braydon’s Lausanne appearance places adapted judo inside a Grand Slam setting for the first time.

Janine said she never expected to see Braydon competing at an IJF Grand Slam in Lausanne, describing the opportunity as part of making history. Braydon is equally focused on the experience of sharing an event with high-level athletes he has followed from a distance.

He is looking forward to competing in an arena for the first time and seeing leading judoka at the same event. His message ahead of Lausanne is clear: judo can include everyone, including athletes with a disability.

Lausanne will give Braydon a new stage for a journey built on family determination.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union