To finish of the year, I competed in the World Cup Korea and the Tokyo Grand Slam. Both are World Ranking events meaning that results here can assist in Olympic Qualification. However, unlike the World Cup Samoa, this one in Korea is much more competitive. We left on the 28 November and trained for a few days at a Japanese University before flying across to Korea. ALso with me was my team mate Janelle and coach JB. I had a reasonable draw with Mongolia first up. I know from past experiences that the Mongolians are generally tough and physically strong. The fight was a close one but the Mongolian won with a yuko to my shido. We then went on to a 3 day training camp where I could at least attempt to avenge this loss. I trained with this Mongolian on two occasions and definately got the better of her. In fact, the whole camp was a positive boost. There were hundreds on the mat, all top quality and I was mixing it with them all. We travelled back to Tokyo on Wednesday and I pretty much went straight to the hospital. The flu was getting the better of me and Im happy to say that after some antibiotics, things turned around. But what an experience going through the Japanese Hospital system when you cant speak a word of Japanese! The draws then came come out for the Tokyo Grand Slam and I have a re-run of the World Championships. I drew the number 1 Brazilian first up who I lost to in the last 30 seconds at the Worlds in September. I knew her style, she trains full time in Japan and I have trained with her several times this year. Despite giving it all it wasnt to be. I went full time but lost on a yuko. So that was the end of 2010...a mixed year...some of my best international results and some fights I hope to never relive again! Coming into 2011 Im feeling re-energised after a few weeks off from judo and our Club training starts back tonight. I cant wait! 2011 is the year to really step up and be counted. I wont be satisfied with being "competitive" in international fights. I want to win them. By the end of April 2012 I need to be ranked in the top 14 in the World for Olympic Selection. At the start of 2011 Im in 12th position (when you remove duplicate countries which are not counted) What a year its going to be!!
