When Jackson Minnick steps onto the mat for a judo competition, itB次元官网网址檚 just him and his opponent.
The 18-year-old blocks out the cheers from the crowd, announcements echoing in the background, and zones in on the task at hand B次元官网网址� how do I beat the athlete in front of me?
B次元官网网址淚 just focus on the things I have to do and what I worked on in training,B次元官网网址� Minnick said. B次元官网网址淛ust doing everything right and finding the best way to beat my opponent B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 just about how they react to my movements.B次元官网网址�
Now, the Belmont Secondary school student will be taking his skills to the next level. Minnick has seen selected by Judo Canada to compete in the under 21 category at the Pan Am Championships in Argentina in July.
B次元官网网址淚 was pretty surprised,B次元官网网址� said Minnick on being selected. B次元官网网址淢y goal would be to win a medal, but it will be pretty tough. IB次元官网网址檓 hoping for that.B次元官网网址�
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MinnickB次元官网网址檚 passion for judo began about nine years ago when a friend invited him to take part in a judo lesson at a club in Langford. While he admits he doesnB次元官网网址檛 remember much about that first lesson, what he does remember is that he fell in love with the sport instantly.
Since then, Minnick has been training with the Victoria Judo Club at S.J. Willis Education Centre. HeB次元官网网址檚 no stranger to competition. Every year, he competes in 10 to 12 tournaments a year.
This year, he took home bronze at several tournaments and came first during another tournament in Edmonton in March. He also took part in a competition in France where he placed fifth in the senior category.
In the weeks leading up to the Pan Am Championships, Minnick will continue practising four to five times a week, as well as doing cardio and lifting weights. He travelled to Vancouver for additional training a few weeks ago as well. Later this month Minnick will also be competing in the junior and menB次元官网网址檚 categories in the Canada Cup B次元官网网址� a tournament heB次元官网网址檒l use as practice ahead of the Pan Am Championships.
B次元官网网址淚t like how itB次元官网网址檚 an individual sport. You get out what you put in, it doesnB次元官网网址檛 depend on anyone else,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 just like the physicality of it. ItB次元官网网址檚 fun competing against other people.B次元官网网址�
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