Cadet Team Secures Bronze After Tough Loss

The Canadian cadet judo team, led by Addyson Tamura (48 kg), Maia Thomson (-63 kg), Missy Jen Dorval Mbele (+63 kg), and Amirbaev (-60 kg), fell to Brazil 4-1 in the opening round of the mixed team tournament at the Pan-American and Oceania championships in Lima, Peru.

“We knew it was going to be difficult, the Brazilians often form the team to beat in these tournaments. We knew very tight duels, the team arose and wanted victory.”

Sasha Mehmedovic, Canadian Coach

Undeterred, the Canadians bounced back to defeat Peru in the bronze medal match, clinching the third spot on the podium.

Junior Team’s Resilience Leads to Bronze

The Canadian junior judo team, featuring Carla Van Zyl (-57 kg), Laurence Gagnon (-57 kg), Charlie Thibault (-70 kg), Emily Harris (+70 kg), Fahd Fithan (-73 kg), Lowan Le Bris (-73 kg), Arthur Karpukov (-90 kg), and Lucas MacDonald (+90 kg), also secured bronze in their age category.

Trailing Cuba 3-3 after six clashes, Canada lost the decisive match, but they chalked up a 4-2 victory over the United States in the bronze medal match, thanks in large part to Harris’ heroics.

“Emily Harris was the heroine of the day! […] She also obtained an individual bronze medal in the younger tournament on Friday.”

Sasha Mehmedovic, Canadian Coach

The Bigger Picture

Reflecting on the performances, Coach Sasha Mehmedovic noted, “We leave with two podiums, it is a positive experience for athletes and their development. These competitions are also very beneficial for the team spirit and it was still the case today.”