SHOP
Montreal, August 12, 2011 – It was the second day of competition at the Cadet World Championships, which bring together the best judoka of less than 17 years in Kiev, Ukraine. The young Abby Lloyd was the best of the Canadian delegation, taking ninth place in the -48kg category.
The 14 year old Powell River judoka came out strong in her first match scoring an ippon in 18 seconds against Zalfa Hassan of Lebanon. She lost her second match by ippon to Viktorija Kozlovaof of Lithuania.
“Abby is the youngest athlete in the Canadian delegation. I was very impressed with how preparation. She controlled things in her first fight. She did commit a few technical mistakes in her second match due to her lack of experience. She demonstrated some talent today (Friday), “said national coach Marie-Helene Chisholm.
Quebec’s Josiane Gagné, who was also competing in the same category, was defeated by yuko in her first match against Germany’ Selina Dietz.
Alexia Piche, -52kg category, suffered the same fate as his Quebec teammate, stumbling in the first match against Egypt’s Nouran Reda, who won by waza-ari.
George Lukas of British Columbia was in action in the men’s -60kg. He delivered a very tight first fight against Portugal’s Joao Abeu. Two minor penalties from the Canadian did however seal his faith giving the advantage to his opponent, who won by yuko.
Quebec’s André Nogeira lost his first fight by ippon against Egypt’s Tawfik Mohab in the -66kg category.
“It was not an easy day for our Canadian judokas, said Chisholm. They all faced athletes who they could have beaten. Most of them were affected by the pressure and were frozen at the start of fight. It’s a bit normal since this is their first international experience and they are starting with a major event.”
Alberta’s Jaquin Simao (57kg), Ontario’s Monica Burgess (63kg) and Quebec’s Krieber-Louis Gagnon (73kg) and Petro Poklitar (81kg) will be in action on Saturday.
“These are four good athletes, talented, who will also have their chance to shine. What is great at this age is that anything can happen. There are no superstars yet. By taking it one fight at a time, anything is possible, “says Marie-Hélène Chisholm.
