Jaymi Hinchey, 16, a judoka from the Yukon, will be competing in the Judo Winter Nationals in Azuza, Calif. from Dec. 8 to 10.
This is Hinchey’s first competition outside of Canada. As the first and only judoka from the territory participating in the competition, she will be teaming up with Judo BC in Vancouver.
“I’m really grateful that they offered to take me with them and I will also have them as my coaches down there,” she said. “I’m so excited for the incredible opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”
She said she has been doing a lot of judo training three times a week along with mental training and feels ready to go.
Hinchey has competed across Canada in a number of judo competitions, including at the Canada Winter Games in March where she won a bronze medal.
“I’ve done pretty well and I’m quite happy with the success I’ve had last year and the opportunity to compete more,” she said.
Aaron Jensen, Hinchey’s coach, said there is no qualification for the Judo Winter Nationals, which means anybody can enter as long as they’re a member of a recognized judo association. He said Hinchey is one of the territory’s top competitors, noting that no Yukon judoka has ever participated in the competition.
“She’s self motivated. So that’s pretty much why she’s got the results she’s got because she’s very motivated to be competitive,” he said. “Being from the Yukon, we’re at a disadvantage because we don’t have the same amount of training partners nor do we have the same amount of practical experience available by doing a tournament once a month at a higher level and so, we have to travel outside of the Yukon to compete.”
Hinchey told the News she is hoping to do well at the competition in the U.S.
“I will do my best and give it my all. But I’m just happy with the whole experience of travelling and competing at the event.”
Contact Patrick Egwu at patrick.egwu@yukon-news.com
