By Drew Wilson

Chelyse Vallejo wins second consecutive Canadian championship

Jul 9, 2013 | 11:18 AM

Chelys Vallejo of Prince Albert has completed the double. She has returned from the Canadian Judo championships in Richmond B.C. with a gold medal for a second straight year.

She won a second consecutive Canadian title in the Masters Women's +70kg category and did it despite tremendous odds. Vallejo battled through the discomfort of a herniated disc in her back to emerge victorious in the title match.

“I had to play to any mistakes my opponent made.” said Vallejo. “It was a lot of movement, hoping she would step into something I could set up for her. I ended up throwing her for a partial point and then holding her down so it worked out well.”  

Although winning two straight Canadian championships is an outstanding achievement, Chelys doesn't cherish one more than the other.

“It's nice to be able to be able to call yourself a two time national champion.” said Vallejo. “I don't think any gold (medal) will be more well deserved than another one. You still have to work all year to get to it.”

SIGA

SIGA and Northern Lights Casino main sponsors of the 31st PAGC Fine Arts Festival

8h ago

Workplace incident

City of Prince Albert pleads guilty to workplace safety violation, handed fines

9h ago

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

Apr 24, 2024

After two straight national championships, what do you do for an encore? Vallejo has her sights set on a prestigous international event in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi.

” They have the grand masters world championships there and I would like to try to attend that if I could start fund raising for it. It's a big trip so I have to start right away, but that's my next goal.”

Chelys took her talents to South Beach last year, finishing second at the grand masters event in Miami Florida

Prince Albert Kenshukan Dojo training partner Josh Guthrie finished fifth in the Under-15 boys 60km event, while PA's Josie Lehner who trains out of the Saskatoon YMCA was fourth in the girls Under-18 52kg class.

dwilson@panow.com

Twitter: RaidersVoice