By Jeff D'Andrea

Three PA judokas qualify for Nationals

Jun 6, 2012 | 7:16 AM

Chelys Vallejo knows her strength is her biggest asset on the judo mat, but for her ‘strength’ is a multi-layered term.

Sure, Vallejo has pure power to outmuscle her opponents, but the 31-year-old has another advantage over her senior division opponents at this year’s 2012 National Championships July 5-8 in Toronto.

“I have more life experience as well, I know how to chase around a child all day,” said Vallejo with a laugh. “I don’t think they’ve had to do that.”

After a practice Thursday at the Prince Albert Judo Club, Vallejo had her young daughter Chelys Jr. in her arms while being interviewed by paNOW.

Chelys Sr. first got into the sport in her adolescent days, took a few years off, but picked up the sport again three years ago and brought Chelys Jr. along as well.

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Both have been very successful as Chelys Sr. finished with a silver medal at this year’s provincials in April, while Chelys Jr. won gold in the U9 division. Chelys Sr. also walked away with the Best Senior Woman award from the tournament.

Chelys Sr. first made it to the national stage last year, but although she didn’t place, she learned a lot from the experience and feels more confident this year.

“It was quite intimidating last time, but this time I think I’m ready,” Chelys Sr. said. “I’m a lot more confident this time, I expect to get a medal.”

Although she’ll have to be a cheerleader for now watching her mother compete at the national stage, Chelys Jr. hopes to get there one day.

When asked if she’ll follow in her mother’s footsteps and battle against the best judokas Canada has to offer, Chelys Jr. quickly nodded and gave an emphatic “yeah!”

Josie Lehner won’t have to wait for a national berth, as she will make her second appearance at the big stage this year.

Two years ago in Lethbridge, she finished with a 1-2 record and didn’t place, but judging by her recent success, that could change.

Lehner, 15 and a first-year competitor in the U17 division, finished with a bronze at the Ontario Open in April, a precursor event that features many of the athletes who will compete at nationals.

“I’ve been working hard and with what they beat me with, I’ve been working on that, so hopefully I’ll do good there too,” Lehner said. “I’m really excited.

“I’ve been improving my technique and going through the fine requirements and adjusting the little things to get that much better.”

Although she’s not old enough to get a full Saskatchewan driver’s licence yet, Lehner has already taken the role as instructor on occasion with the club, teaching students the finer art of judo.

“I ran practice last Thursday for some of the people that showed up and it went well,” said Lehner, moments after she led a cool-down stretch. “I like teaching and it’s good to know what I know and pass it on to younger kids.”

Lehner finished with a silver medal at this year’s provincials.

Fellow PA judoka Eden Mcpherson also qualified for nationals, but was not present for practice as she’s nursing a “major injury,” according to coach Blair Taylor.

jdandrea@panow.com

@jeff_dandrea