By Jeff D'Andrea

Four locals ready for Judo Nationals

Jul 4, 2012 | 7:22 AM

After earning their spots at this year’s 2012 National Judo Championships July 5-8 in Toronto, four local Prince Albert Judo Club athletes attempting to do what few people say they have, have a national medal placed on their neck.

Chelys Vallejo, Josie Lehner, Eden Mcpherson and Josh Guthrie will all vie for medals, with Mcpherson having received a bronze at the national stage last year.

Although that’s the goal for every judoka in the tournament, PA judo club coach Blair Taylor is more concerned about the overall effort and development of his athletes.

”My expectation is just that they perform to the best of their ability,” said Taylor. “I don’t need to see a medal to consider it a success. As long as they fight their fight and stick to their game plan, I’ll be happy with it…

“Medals are never the outcome for me; it’s about their best performance—good athletes on the mats, good people off the mats.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

3h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

6h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

10h ago

That mindset likely fits Mcpherson’s situation the most, who has battled a shoulder injury late this season and was forced to nurse the injury instead of training for the biggest meet of the year.

Although her heart and talent are never in question, Taylor said Mcpherson’s health and long-term future in the sport are even more important.

“She’ll fight through that, she would wreck her shoulder for the gold medal,” said Taylor. “It’s great determination you want to see in any athlete—but we want to keep her around for a lot longer.”

That also applies to Guthrie as well, who will be making his nationals debut in the U15, U60kg division. Jitters are bound to occur during athletes’ debuts at the national level and since it’s his first, Taylor doesn’t necessarily need to see results right away from Guthrie as he sees a very bright future for his young judoka.

“For Josh, this is his first nationals. He will put in a good performance but this is a learning experience, this is the first of many (national appearances) for him,” said Taylor. “I’m just hoping that he does his best.”

Vallejo knows firsthand just how much those jitters can affect one’s performance. After admitting nerves in her national debut last year, Vallejo is a lot more poised heading into her second.

“It was quite intimidating last time, but this time I think I’m ready,” Vallejo said during a June 6 interview with paNOW. “I’m a lot more confident this time, I expect to get a medal.”

Vallejo will be fighting in a different weight class, over 78kg after fighting in the under 78kg division throughout the year. She’ll also be competing in two different age categories, senior and veteran.

“Chelys has trained extremely hard… she’s strong enough and quick enough to compete against some of the heaviest girls in Canada, so she will do well,” said Taylor.

Lehner will also fight in a new weight class, moving up to under 52kg from under 48, which she had been competing at all year.

“She’s developed some really nice technique, I think she’ll do well,” said Taylor.

Lehner earned a bronze at the Ontario Open in April, against many of the same athletes that will be at the nationals.

The four local competitors are flying out to Toronto today, will wrap up the tournament on July 8 and then stick around for several days for a national development camp.

jdandrea@panow.com

@jeff_dandrea