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Torquay Judokwai showcased
their thriving junior roster as they claimed three county titles
at the Devon Junior Judo Championships at Quayside Leisure Centre,
Kingsbridge, on Sunday 13 February.
The annual competition
saw each weight classes divided into three levels of ability as
children also fought by age with categories for under 12 and judoka
aged between 12 and 15.
The club’s top performers
were sisters Toni and Stacey Malone who topped the model rostrum
along with newcomer Mario Schiano.
Toni, 10, overcome a 9
pound weight disadvantage to register two huge o-goshi hip throws
and scored an ippon in the final to win gold for the second consecutive
year.
Stacey, 9, won all four
contests by ippon to claim her first triumph at the event, a feat
repeated by 10-year-old Mario who also surged to victory.
The club picked up three
silver medals through Emma Barley, Jay Magson and Damon Smith
while three of bronze variety went to Jude Davis, Olivia Magson
and Ellouise Kilroy-Silk to complete an impressive nine-medal
haul.
Jake Slay narrowly missed
out on a medal as he finished in fifth-place.
Torquay Judokwai head coach
Simon Ward said: “All our players fought with great determination
and courage as many overcame their nerves and fears about competing
on the day.
“They produced some incredible
skills and movements to either throw or pin their opponent down
as they all fought towards winning their medals.”
“With more competitive
experience at the right level in the future I’m sure we will achieve
greater success. I’m very proud and honoured to coach such a great
group of children, it was great to watch and witness just how
well they all supported each other throughout the day.”
There was further joy for
the club as standout Hannah Barley was awarded Devon County Judo
Association Female Youth Judoka of the Year for a stellar 2010
which saw her take fifth at the British National Championships
and a bronze medal at the British Schools Championships as well
as gaining a place on the Junior England Squad.
Torquay Judokwai is based
at the Torbay Olympic Gymnastic centre in Barton and meets on
a Monday and Friday at 18:00. The club offers a free first session
to newcomers.
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