Two Höllwart Sisters, Two Medals, One Huge Week in Judo

Maria Höllwart and Michaela Höllwart gave their family a remarkable few days in European judo. The Austrian sisters both reached the podium in the same week, with Maria taking gold at the Prague European Open and Michaela earning bronze at the Cadet European Championships in Gran Canaria.

Maria’s result came in the +78 kg category and carried extra weight because it marked a successful return from injury. Coming back and winning gold is always a strong statement, and for her family it set the tone for what became an unforgettable stretch.

Only days later, Michaela added another chapter. She took bronze in the +70 kg category in Gran Canaria, finally reaching the Cadet European Championships podium after three attempts. For the younger sister, this was not just another medal. It was the result she had been chasing through her cadet years.

She spoke openly about what the moment meant. After competing at this level three times, she could now leave the cadet category with a European medal. That feeling of relief mattered just as much as the result itself.

Michaela’s bronze ended a three-year wait for a Cadet European medal.

There was little space for a long celebration. Michaela’s focus already moved toward the Cadet World Championships, where she said she was excited for the next challenge. That quick shift says a lot about the rhythm of judo, where one breakthrough can immediately lead into the next test.

What made the story even stronger was the support between the sisters. Maria, fresh from her own comeback event in Prague, still made the trip to follow Michaela’s day in Gran Canaria. After fighting on Saturday, travelling home on Sunday, then heading to Vienna and flying out on Monday, she chose to be there in person.

That detail says plenty about the Höllwart family’s connection to the sport. Judo is not just something the sisters compete in. It clearly shapes their routines, their travel, and the way they share each other’s biggest moments.

The source describes a family built around judo, with a bit of skiing too, but this week belonged to the tatami. One sister returned from injury and won gold. The other completed her cadet journey with a long-awaited European medal. Together, they turned one week into a family milestone.

For Austrian judo, it was a bright reminder of how success can arrive in different forms at the same time: a comeback at senior level and a breakthrough in the cadet ranks. For the Höllwart sisters, it was simply a week to remember.

A gold in Prague and a bronze in Gran Canaria made it a special week for Austria.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union