Janessa Keays is looking forward to taking on some European opponents. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Judo

Prince Albert judo athlete to represent Canada in Portugal

Feb 10, 2022 | 2:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Janessa Keays has been invited to join Team Canada to compete in the Coimbra Junior European Cup 2022 in Portugal in March.

The 18-year-old told paNOW she is feeling very excited.

“It’s been a long two years since the last time I have been invited prior to COVID and I’m happy to be able to finally start big competitions again,” she said.

Keays had also invited to represent Canada at the same tournament in Portugal and Germany in March 2020, but due to COVID, the tournament plans were cancelled.

Janessa Keays took home a first place trophy during the Quebec Open in November. (Submitted photo/Janessa Keays)

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The tournament next month, dependant on how Keays does, can open up many more prestigious tournaments, such as Junior Worlds. Keays was asked how competition overseas compares to the opponents she tosses around in Canada.

“They are all strong, have different skills and training regimens, but so do I and I think the international competition will be a lot tougher than when I’m competing national,” she said.

While COVID restrictions have certainly eased in the past year, Keays acknowledged the pandemic is still on her mind.

“I’m not sure what the policies are overseas compared to here, or how other countries are dealing with COVID now and how many are getting the vaccines and all, but all I can be is careful,” she said.

In November, Jannessa Keays was among ten Judo athletes from Saskatchewan who attended the Quebec Open in November. The 18-year-old won all four of her matches before holding up her first place trophy.

The tournament in Portugal runs March 19-20.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell