The closure of the Institut national du sport du Québec (INS) facilities due to a fire in the Olympic Tower made Antoine Valois-Fortier fear the worst, but the head coach of Judo Canada is overjoyed twice months later.
“It’s 100 percent clear that I was screwing up,” said Valois-Fortier, who will be experiencing his fourth Olympic Games in Paris, but his first as a coach. We were extremely lucky to find refuge at the Sports Center Ippon which had just opened its doors in new facilities. We are treated with great care. It was a gift from heaven.”
General Manager and High Performance Director Nicolas Gill is also very happy with the option chosen by Judo Canada. “I was never worried because the judo community is tight-knit, but we chose the best option. In our misfortune, we couldn’t have found better. We transferred all our stakeholders. These are the most beautiful private facilities in Canada.”
The excitement was palpable on Thursday as the seven selected athletes were introduced to the media, along with the support team, in the presence of families and friends gathered for the occasion.
“It’s a dream team,” Valois-Fortier summed up. “If I could have chosen, I couldn’t have done better. All the athletes selected have achieved a top 5 finish at the world championships over the last two years.”
Third Games for Beauchemin-Pinard
Bronze medalist at the Tokyo Games and second in the world rankings this year, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (less than 63 kg) is leading the way, who will be experiencing her third Olympics.
Both in 5th place in Japan, Shady El Nahas (under 100 kg) and Arthur Margelidon (under 73 kg) are back. Silver medalist at the world championships this year and gold in 2023, Christa Deguchi (under 57 kg) and her sister Kelly (under 52 kg) will experience their Olympic baptism, they who experienced the announcement live from Japan where they train.
François Gauthier-Drapeau (under 81 kg) and Ana Laura Portuondo Isasi (over 78 kg) will also be making their first Olympic appearance.
Canada won two medals in Tokyo for the first time in its history. In Paris, hopes are even higher. “Expectations are high and we’re aiming for several medals,” said Valois-Fortier, who won bronze at the 2012 London Games in the under-81 kg category. “I don’t want to give a number, but we have an exceptional team.”
2024-06-27 21:41:24
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