USA Judo Came Prepared With A Team Full Of Experience
Team USA looked to gain valuable Olympic qualification points at the Senior Pan American - Oceania Championships this past weekend. With less than a year remaining before the Paris Olympic Games, Team USA did grab valuable points this weekend with 4 bronze medal finishes.
Maria Laborde (-48kg), Hannah Martin (-63kg), John Jayne (-90kg), and Nathaniel Keeve (-100kg) all returned home with bronze medals. Laborde and Martin are two of the most experienced judoka on Team USA. Laborde currently sits at number 11 in the World Ranking List. Martin earned her second international medal since making her return to competition following the birth of her daughter in 2021.
In addition to the performances of Team USA bronze medalist, 5 team members held 5th place finishes. Angie Delgado (-52kg), Mariah Holguin (-57kg), Jack Yonezuka (-73kg), Nick Yonezuka (-81kg), and Alex Knauf (-90kg) all garnered fifth place finishes. Ari Berliner (-66kg) earned his way to a 7th place finish.
Valuable points for Olympic qualification were earned for many Team USA players at the Pan Ams. As the Paris Olympic Games come closer garnering all the points possible is extremely important. Team USA did just that. Congratulations to all Senior members of USA Judo and continue the hard work.
