Junior judoka’s silver success

LORETO College student, Ella Sevior has won a silver medal at the recent Judo Victoria State Championships in Broadmeadows.

She said having the medal placed around her neck felt “exciting.”

“When it was all done, I felt like I’d achieved something really important. I’ve been working towards it all year.”

Sevior’s mother, Julie Thomas said the 13-yearold’s silver success, at the biggest event in Victorian judo, was fantastic for the Aspire Judo Academy.

“Last year she placed third, so a silver was due to her hard work and dedication,” Mrs Thomas said.

“Ella only gets to train and compete against males locally as females seem to return to the more traditional sports when they reach their teens.”

Sevior’s coach, Rob Coelho, who has seen her win medals at every regional competition this year, said her performance was “exceptional.”

“It’s fulfilling to see our students succeed and more fulfilling when it’s a female player.”

The championships have been running for over 60 years and saw 250 judoka – judo athletes – step onto the mat at this meeting.

Former JudoVIC president, Doug Noack said “the standard of competition is very high”.

“Competition was tough. Ella competed very well,” Mr Noack said. “It is a step up to the States, so it takes some getting used to.”

Earlier this year, Sevior trained with Olympians on the Mornington Peninsula and has regularly travelled to Geelong for additional training and tri- Judo cup carnivals.

She will travel up to the Gold Coast next year to compete at the nationals.

Sevior studies Japanese language at Loreto College and has previously flown to Japan, inspired by her passion for Judo.