On the final day of the U21 Canadian Judo Championships in Richmond B.C. early this summer, the biggest obstacle between Canmore’s Erin Morgan and her first national title and trip to the world championships was seemingly unbeatable Nova Scotian Whitney Lohnes, early this summer.
Morgan had never defeated her nemesis Lohnes. For three years, the Maritimer had held the advantage. But now Morgan, who is in her final year of junior eligibility, had to beat Lohnes twice to earn a spot on Canada’s world championship team.
The previous day, in the senior’s championship, Lohnes had defeated Morgan in a minute in a half. The defeat left Morgan in fifth place, which was a disappointing result heading into the junior competition.
“It was time for a little bit of payback,” Morgan said.
The two rivals faced each other in the semifinals. The battle was tight, but Morgan was rewarded with the decision since she fought a cleaner bout.
“She got a penalty 10 seconds in, and I think that threw her off a little bit. We’ve fought each other since 2010 and she always wins.”
That paved Morgan’s way to a final matchup against Lorena Kaegi, which Morgan won handily by a 10-0 score. She threw her opponent twice and pinned her once to clinch the victory.
A gold medal and national title around her neck, her day wasn’t complete. For much of the year, she had fought in the 52-kg division, but for nationals, Morgan was fighting in a new division – under 48 kg. She needed more experience and points in that division and had to face Lohnes again.
“We had a fightoff to go to Worlds. This time, I threw her twice,” Morgan said. “It was the best day of my life to date.”
The title is the first of her career, and she’ll travel to Slovenia to represent Canada in October. She’s been one of the country’s best judokas for several years, but put everything together this year.
“I cared so much this year. It was my last chance to win a junior title. This year my technique is better and my cardio is better. I’m also older, so I’m stronger,” Morgan said.
Canadians will have a chance to watch her battle, as the world championships will be broadcast on the Fight Network.
“I’m not too concerned about TV, because it will be on at 3 a.m. on a channel most people don’t have,” Morgan said. “It’s still kinda cool though.”
She’d love to finish in the top 10, but said the draw will have to co-operate.
“If I draw Japan first, I’m not sure what I can realistically expect. The Worlds is a way bigger tournament and if you lose your first fight, you’re out.”
Qualifying for world championships means she’s had to put her schooling on hold. Entering her third year of kinesiology at the University of Calgary, Morgan will take the fall semester off in order to train. She’s also holding down a part-time job at a karaoke bar on Macleod Trail. Thus far, she hasn’t had to use her training on the singers.
She is still trying to raise money to pay for her trip, which will cost between $2,800 and $3,200 to represent Canada. She’s hoping for $1,500 to come from fundraising.
She’s raising money on the crowd-sourcing website makeachamp.com, where fans can track her progress and donate to her cause.
