My club (UNSW) had over 20 competitors at this events of all ages. It is great to see the depth coming through the club. We have quite a few youngsters that are really starting to shine..but I wont mention their names here for fear of embarrassment or perhaps future expectations!
Unfortunately for me, the competition was not a good one. My first fight was quick and decisive in about 15 seconds throwing for ippon. However in my second fight, I was winning with a wazari only to find that half way through my middle finger dislocated. The rules dont allow me to strap it or for the Doctor to fix it, so I was left to "put it back in"myself....and can I say it hurt. Anyway the fight went on and the finger dislocated 5 times before the clock wound down and I won. The Doctor put the finger back in after I got off the mat and I couldnt bend it or feel anything...so my coaches helped me make the smart decisions to pull out of the final. So I finished up with second.
What is more disappointing is that on having scans and seeing a specialist the next day, I had to withdraw from the Australian Team training camp in Japan next month. This was to be used as preparation for the Oceania Champs in April.....
So for now, its not a lot of judo and back into the gym, bike, rower and swimming. The Oceania Champs are extremely important in terms of Olympic Selection points and my main concern is being fit for this...which I will
Adversity causes some men to break, and others to break records.
