Sergei Aschwanden

Sergei Ashwanden was born on December 22, 1975 in Bern where he spent the first six years of his life. He was born to a Kenyan mother and a father from Uri in Switzerland. His sister was born two years later. The family moved to Bussigny-près-Lausanne in 1981 where Sergei joined the village judo club. His talent for judo was quickly recognised and he soon joined Mikami Judo club in Lausanne, where he was taught judo by Master Mikami. He has applied Mr. Mikami’s teachings throughout his career. After passing his A levels in economics, he spent his whole time training as a professional. In 2001, he joined the National Elite sport centre in Macolin where he was to spend the following 8 years. In 2006, Sergei began studying sport in Macolin and obtained his 5th Dan (judo degree).
After his Olympic medal in Beijing, he decided to resume his sports studies at Lausanne University. At the same time, he became Technical Director of the Judo Club Mikami and also teaches judo to pupils from La Bourdonette in Lausanne within the framework of a cantonal project to help underprivileged children.