The Balmoral Judo Club hosted its annual tournament at Collège Stonewall Collegiate on March 28, drawing 138 athletes from across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
From left: U10 competitor Ellie Cook focuses on her throwing technique; Harmony Brook powers through a takedown; Phoenix Wakeham secures a pin; and Josie Hoplock finishes fourth in the U14 female -44 kg division
Tribune Photos by Jo-Anne Procter and Emily Rogowsky
Left photo: Siblings John and Violet Ritchie won their first competitions in U12 competition. Middle photo: Grayson Howe won a silver medal and Gabriel Rootsaert won gold in U12. Right photo: Leo Paton and Momchil Jongstra both captured bronze in U12
Club members delivered strong performances across multiple age divisions.
In the U10 combined division, which is participation-based with no official placings, Balmoral competitors included Harmony Brook, Ellie Cook, Ruby Olsen, Tessa-Rae Oymade, Greyson Ritchie and Phoenix Wakeham.
In U12 competition, Maverick Paton and Gabriel Rootsaert each captured gold medals. Greyson Howe earned silver, while Momchil Jongstra, Blake Lecocq-Gareau, Austin MacDonald, Leo Paton, John Ritchie, Violet Ritchie and Ryker Rutledge all claimed bronze.
At the U14 level, Lily McDonald secured bronze in the female -57 kg division, while Artem Puha earned silver in the male -60 kg category.
Balmoral continued its success in the U16 division, with Rhiannen James (female -57 kg), Greg Panchuk (male +73 kg) and Avery Wakeham (male -55 kg) all winning gold medals. Allison Mushaluk added a silver in the female +70 kg division.
In senior competition, Cai James (advanced male +100 kg) and Marc James (novice male +100 kg) both won gold. Adeseye Oymade earned silver in the novice male +100 kg division. Chase Wakeham captured silver in the senior novice -81 kg category and added bronze in the veteran male -81 kg division.
Earlier in the month, Balmoral athletes Chase, Avery and Phoenix Wakeham competed at the Edmonton International Tournament, held at West Edmonton Mall from March 6 to 8. Phoenix placed first in the U10 mixed division, while Chase won gold in both the veteran and senior novice -81 kg categories. Avery Wakeham competed but did not reach the podium.
The club’s next competition will be the Portage la Prairie Open, scheduled for April 18.
