Miguel Ogando Lopes successor of Robert Krawczyk in Austria

The Austrian Judo Association (ÖJV) is set to strengthen its coaching ranks with the addition of Miguel Ogando Lopes as the new national coach for the general class. The 37-year-old Portuguese brings a wealth of international experience to the team, working under the leadership of ÖJV head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch. Based at the federal training center in Linz, Ogando Lopes will oversee the development of Austria’s national squad athletes and accompany them to major international competitions. He takes over the role from Robert Krawczyk of Poland.

Ogando Lopes has an impressive coaching resume, having spent the past five years with the German Judo Association as a national base coach in Hanover. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the training of Olympic medalists Giovanna Scoccimarro and Igor Wandtke. Prior to his time in Germany, he also contributed as a coach at the Leipzig base and served as a national coach in Denmark.

Reflecting on his new position, Ogando Lopes expressed excitement about the opportunity: “I’m looking forward to my next career step. Up until now, I’ve only been a spectator at world championships and the Olympic Games. In Austria, I get the chance to develop and establish myself in a top-class coaching team. The successes of the last few years speak for themselves. I didn’t have to think long about it.”

His appointment is equally celebrated by ÖJV sports director Markus Moser, who remarked, “Miguel had to end his active career at the age of 21 after suffering two slipped discs, but his international experience as a coach is extensive. He should be a perfect fit for us.”

With Ogando Lopes joining the fold, the ÖJV aims to continue its recent momentum and build on its successes on the global judo stage.