Gianni Merlo Sees Strong Foundations in Lausanne

Gianni Merlo, President of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), visited the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 to assess the event from inside its media operation. The experienced Italian sports journalist was guided behind the scenes by the International Judo Federation media team, alongside AIPS Communications & PR Co-ordinator Andrea Migliavacca.

Merlo has led AIPS since 2005 and has covered major sporting events for decades, including through his work with La Gazzetta dello Sport. His visit offered an outside perspective on the first Swiss Grand Slam and on how the World Judo Tour has been installed in Lausanne.

At the Vaudoise Arena, Merlo found a venue with clear potential. The multi-purpose arena, opened in 2019 within Lausanne's Malley sports complex, is more commonly known as the home of Lausanne HC. It was not built specifically for judo, but its conversion for three days of competition has highlighted its flexibility and the scale of the project behind bringing the World Judo Tour to Switzerland for the first time.

Merlo described the arena as modern and functional, while stressing that a first edition is also a chance to learn. In his assessment, the venue is an important test for organisers and media alike, with no major issues visible and only details to refine for the future.

Lausanne's first Grand Slam is already providing a valuable test for Swiss judo.

Media interest has been significant, with more than 70 accredited representatives in Lausanne. Merlo linked that attention to judo's longer-term development under IJF President Marius Vizer, pointing to the 77 registered countries as evidence of the sport's international reach.

He also highlighted the presence of schools at the event as an important investment in judo's future. For Merlo, visibility matters because the stories created by athletes and competitions can reach beyond the arena, inspiring young spectators and giving journalists meaningful moments to share.

The Lausanne Grand Slam has therefore become more than a new stop on the calendar. With the arena operating, media on site and public engagement around the competition, Merlo's early verdict offers encouragement for an event aiming to establish itself in Switzerland.

The first Swiss Grand Slam has begun with an encouraging expert assessment.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation