Jannessa Keays, left with Asia Douglas and Maya Sahraoui. (Roger Lauzon/Judo Canada) 

By Glenn Hicks

judo silver

P.A.’s Keays lands Elite National silver medal

Jan 14, 2020 | 5:47 PM

Prince Albert’s Jannessa Keays has returned from the Elite National Judo Championships in Montreal with a silver medal.

After three victories against three of the five competitors entered in the U18 over-70 kg category Saturday, the 16-year-old then lost the gold medal match-up to Ontario’s Asia Douglas, 15. In this sport, Keays explained things can be over very quickly. The bout ended after 24 seconds.

“I went in for a drop-throw – or a drop technique – and I left my neck more open than I should have. That’s how she got the choke in,” she told paNOW.

Matches can end even more quickly than this with Keays saying she’s won a match in under five seconds before.

Jannessa Keays, in blue, in action during the Elite Natonal event Saturday. (Roger Lauzon/Judo Canada)

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Asked about the experience of competing at what is the highest level of national judo, Keays said while there wasn’t much more she could learn technically from the various short bouts in Montreal, there was always room to grow mentally.

“I’ve learned to keep my head in the game more,” she said.

Keays said she couldn’t explain exactly how she goes about each bout, but her game plan is now so automatic it just happens.

She is now ranked as Canada’s second best in her category.

After the exertions of Saturday, Keays moved up to chance her arm in the senior category on Sunday. That involves all-adult competitors. While she lost her bout, she’s proud of how she performed and how long she lasted in the four-minute contest.

“Oh yeah, there was like 45 seconds left on the clock,” she said.

Following the long flight home Monday, Keays was back at school Tuesday and there’s a strong incentive to keep doing well with her studies.

“I have the motivation to get good grades. My parents tell me if my grades drop then I can’t go to tournaments,” she said.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow