The Bow Valley’s small but mighty Judo club has produced a handful of potential national champions.
MacKenzie Morgan, Erin Morgan and Laure Wanlin have all earned a shot to win the Canadian national judo championship title in Toronto on July 5.
The competition is the highest level local athletes can reach and the pinnacle of their young careers to date.
The top three athletes in every division are selected to compete at nationals, a distinction all three Bow Valley fighters have worked hard to earn.
Erin Morgan has the biggest ambition. After 11 years in the ring, she wants to represent Canada at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She’s already earned the U20 female judo athlete of the year award and has her sights set on a big showing at the Canadian Nationals, where her patented triangle chokehold will come in handy.
“My big goal is to go to the Olympics. I’ll probably have to move to Montreal for training, because that’s where the top athletes are,” she said.
Physical strength and strongly forged friendships keep Morgan chasing her Olympic dream. She’s currently a brown belt, but will test for her black belt in November and has no plans to stop practicing judo in the future. She’s attended nationals before, so she knows what to expect.
MacKenzie Morgan (no relation to Erin) will attend his first-ever national competition. Active in several different sports including triathlon, he has phenomenal groundwork and is anxious to put his practice to the test.
“Groundwork is my specialty. I practice three to four times a week, twice in Canmore and once in Airdrie,” Morgan said.
MacKenzie has his green belt, and will try for his blue belt after nationals.
Wanlin, 16, started practicing judo in Belgium and found the local club two years ago. She’s nervous about her first competition, but feels prepared.
“It’s scary, but I’m happy to go,” Wanlin said. “This will be my first, so I want to see what it’s about. Everyone wants to win, but I don’t have huge expectations. I’m going for the experience.”
Judo in Belgium is much different than in Canmore, she said, noting she enjoys her local classes immensely.
“It’s a lot of fun and for a girl, it’s good to do,” Wanlin said.
The three also got a chance to train with the best from Western Canada as 150 competitors held a three-day training camp at Canmore Collegiate High School.
