By Elizabeth Seguin
The Vermont radio
Three young people from Fermont proudly represented the local judo club during two international caliber competitions that took place in recent weeks in Western Canada.
Judoka Jean-David Bouchard, who fought in the U16 category over 73 kg, was decorated with two gold medals at the two tournaments. In an interview with CFMF 103.1 upon his return to Fermont, he discussed his experience outside Quebec:
Excerpt – Jean-David Bouchard – Happy with his performance
At the Pacific International Tournament, which took place in Richmond (British Columbia) from April 15 to 17, Jean-David won a gold medal after his fights.
Judoka Raphaël Gagnon finished seventh out of 17 competitors in the U18 under 55 kg category, and William Power won the bronze medal in the U18 over 90 kg category.
The following week, during the International Judo Championship which was held in Edmonton (Alberta), Jean-David Bouchard won a second gold medal, Raphaël Gagnon ranked fifth out of twenty competitors and William Power again received the bronze medal in the U18 category over 90 kilograms.
Between the two competitions, the three judokas also had the opportunity to attend a judo camp, during which they were able to perfect various techniques.
In the weeks to come, Jean-David, along with a handful of comrades from the Club de Judo de Fermont, will be preparing for the last major competition of the season, the Canadian Championships, which will take place in Montreal from July 19 to May 22.
Excerpt – Jean-David Bouchard – In preparation for the Canadiens
The fruitful season of the Fermont judokas will be completed next May, after the Canadian Championships.
Here are some photos taken during the stay of Jean-David Bouchard, Raphaël Gagnon and William Power in Western Canada: