Olympic champion Christa Deguchi shares her knowledge in NB

The Otoshi judo club welcomed the 57 kg champion at the Paris Olympic Games, Christa Deguchi. The gold medalist offered some of her knowledge to nearly 200 young judokas during her visit to southeastern New Brunswick on Monday and Tuesday.

It’s truly an honorsays Denis Collin, co-founder of the Otoshi club.

Christa Deguchi’s visit to the region is part of a national tour by Judo Canada to celebrate her gold medal.

I just wanted to say hello to peoplesays a smiling Christa Deguchi. But, above all, I wanted to thank Canadians for their support, in addition to seeing the young people.

The stop in New Brunswick, which concludes its trans-Canadian journey, is the only one in the Atlantic.

It really warms my heart because we put so much energy and effort into the community, into the clubadds Denis Collin.

A first at the Olympic Games

Christa Deguchi made Canadian sports history by becoming Canada’s first Olympic champion in judo. During her two-day visit, she met young people in schools in Memramcook and Riverview.

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She participated in autograph and photo sessions in addition to receiving a multitude of accolades.

The highlight of his trip for the young people, however, was the two training sessions with the club’s judokas, at Riverview Monday and in Dieppe Tuesday.

It makes me happysays the young Matthias Acolatse, from Riverviewaged 9.

His friend, Finn Gagnon even had the honor of doing some judo holds with the champion.

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I’m really happy to learn alongside a champion. And it’s truly incredible what she didsaid the 9-year-old.

We also felt admiration among the more experienced judokas.

I was able to discover great techniquessays Sophie Curly–Hard17 years old, from Dieppe. It’s really a good life experience for my career.

Her sister, Véronika, received a good dose of motivation from the champion.

It gives emotions, because we see each other [aller loin]to want to become so big, because my dream is to go to the Olympic Gamesmentions the 16-year-old judoka.

Maxime Bourgoin, freshly arrived from Montreal with a bronze medal at the Quebec Open, is also impressed.

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I find this a really special opportunity. It’s not often you see an Olympic gold medalexclaims the 16-year-old teenager.

An interesting impact

Christa Deguchi’s short visit created a sudden craze for judo.

Denis Collin produced it at the Abbey-Landry school in Memramcook. We already have positive messages and questionshe mentions.

By presenting his experience, the Olympic athlete shined the spotlight on judo.

After her tour, Christa Deguchi will resume training in order to participate in international tournaments. It is still too early to know if she will participate in the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles.