Mudgee's Jim Sheedy has been the driving force behind four competitors who recently put their skills to the test at the Australian National Judo Championships.
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Sheedy has been training Dubbo's Ben Collis and Anthony Hayes, as well as Wellington father daughter duo, Alex and Tony Lindsay, in the lead up to Australia's biggest competition of the year.
The four travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the competition in early June, and needless to say, they did not walk away empty handed.
Collis and Hayes managed to come in equal fourth in kata, Alex claimed silver in the under 63 kilograms under 21 years old event and bronze in the senior category for under 63kgs women, while Tony, Wellington PCYC coach, won the masters under 90kgs division.
Despite taking a year off for school, Alex, who has competed at the event five times, says having Sheedy as a coach definitely helped her claim silver and bronze medals.
"Jim and Karen have so much judo knowledge, and they've lived and experienced so much, they're truly world class," she said.
"I'm happy with my silver medal, I didn't think I was going to get it.
As for Tony who injured his shoulder a week before the competition, agrees with the quality of training from Mudgee's finest, and admits it was likely his final win of his career.
We come here when we can because Jim and Karen are both world class, they're excellent, I can't speak highly enough of them.
- Tony Lindsay
"I was a bit surprised to win with the injury. The fights weren't overly pretty, I was restricted.
"But, that's it from me, I'm retired."
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
