In addition to Squash and Badminton, Judo competition is underway this week at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.
Prince George’s own Kristen Yawney unfortunately didn’t advance into the medal rounds but following her bouts she was upbeat and enthusiastic about being able to compete in front of such a big crowd.
“It was really great.” Kristen said “Usually at tournaments I don’t have such a great cheering section and have all my friends there that have never seen me compete in Judo. So to have that much more support, it made me feel like I was really backed by people. I know they are all so proud of me, which made it a lot more exciting to go out there and give it my all.”
Kristen went 1 – 2, and says she is happy with her performance in the <70kg category.
“I won my second fight, which was pretty fun.” She said laughing “Especially to hear the crowd go wild. Then my third match; she was pretty tough, she’ll probably win the whole thing. But I fought her better than I’ve ever fought her before so I feel good.”
Her third opponent, Quebec’s Adriana Portuondo Isasi went on to win gold.
Kristen was a relay torch bearer; now that the Games have arrived she says she has loved the full games experience
“I’ve been going to the Canada Games Plaza a lot … and now living in the athlete’s village, that’s where I am all the time; taking in all the great concerts. It’s like a really great community.”
She says the multi sport event has allowed her to cross paths with athletes in other sports from across the country ranging from badminton to curling.
Kristen will join fellow Prince George native and <63kg silver medalist Lavanna Laass in team fight competition on Saturday.
Kristen Yawney