A small but potent Salmo Judo Club contingent brought home a bounty of medals from a judo tournament in Edmonton last week, including a trip to the nationals for two of the athletes.
Five members of the Salmo club joined more than 1,500 competitors at the Edmonton International Judo Championships to battle for a spot on the provincial team.
When the dust settled, an impressive four of the five Salmo athletes picked up medals: Arianna DeGeorgio, Corbin DeGeorgio and Justine Goulet all won gold medals, Tia Lundgren took home silver and Trennin Lifely just missed the podium with a fourth-place finish.
However, based on accumulated points, Lifely qualified for Team B.C. in the 66-kilogram juvenile men’s class and Goulet was named to the juvenile 40-kg. women’s, ensuring each a ticket to the nationals.
“They as well as the other Salmo Judo Club team members were shining with beautiful techniques and well-thought-out game plans,” said Sensei Sandy Vaughan-Sydnam in a release.
“The team is developing a great name for itself and many other instructors and coaches admired the work of our club.”
The event, like others during the season, is a selection tournament, where athletes accumulate points to qualify for their provincial teams and the opportunity to compete in the Canadian Nationals in Toronto in July.
Afer a 4 a.m. departure from Salmo and a long bus ride, the first challenge for the team was making the weigh-in.
“It’s always stressful before the tournament to make sure everyone on the team makes the appropriate weight division,” said Vaughan-Sydnam.
A pound over or under can disqualify a competitor or put one at the bottom of a weight division with larger players, in addition to paying a fine. Fortunately, the club members all made weight and went on to great performances.
Anyone interested in joining the Salmo Judo Club may do so at any time during the season, visit a class or call 357-2029 for more info. The club hosts the Kootenay Classic Judo Tournament at the Salmo Youth and Community Centre on Apr. 28, the public is welcome.