Tuesday, 23 August 2022
To celebrate Australia’s most successful judo result at a Commonwealth Games, The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), the Combat Institute of Australia (CombatAUS) and Judo Australia are holding a Welcome Home celebration for the Victorian based Australian Judo athletes.
The event will be held on Friday 26 August at 6.00pm at the National Performance Centre in Albert Park.
Team Judo Australia capped off a historic effort at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, bringing home 10 medals, the most for any Australian judo team at a Commonwealth Games. Two gold, and eight bronze medals were enough to see the team finish the competition in 3rd place behind host nation England and runners-up Canada.
VIS CEO, Anne Marie Harrison, is looking forward to being able to welcome home the athletes and congratulating them on their impressive performances at Birmingham.
“How good was it to see Judo return to the Commonwealth Games program since its last appearance in 2014 and Australian athletes secure our first gold medals since 2002. Coventry Arena dojo was host to a large and noisy crowd, which created a great atmosphere in which to compete.”
“Congratulations to the athletes who performed with great distinction and provided so many highlights as the stars of the show. It is great to see your talent and commitment being rewarded. Our thanks also to the team behind the athletes; from their families and first club, to their coaches, our partners in CombatAUS and the great staff at the VIS who have been on the journey with them.”
CombatAUS CEO Alex Vallentine is also excited to celebrate the athletes as well as welcoming family, friends and members of the judo community into the National Performance Centre, which was officially opened earlier in the year.
“I could not be prouder of the performance of our judo athletes in Birmingham. To bring home 10 medals is an incredible achievement and one that really highlights the incredible amount of hard work, dedication and focus which the athletes and coaches have put in over many years.”
“This is still just the beginning for this group of athletes, with plenty more success ahead for them on the road to the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond.”
Emma Taylor, CEO Judo Australia is proud of the team’s performances and excited for what the future holds.
“The performance of our judo team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was outstanding. We are so proud of the teams’ inspirational results.”
“The partnership with the Victorian Institute of Sport through our National Performance Centre and Combat Institute of Australia is delivering a level of support which is enabling our team to be the best they can be. The future for our judo program looks strong and we are excited to continue watching our athletes excel on an international stage.”
Event details
Welcome and Congratulations to the athletes
Hear from some of the medal winners
Photo Opportunity
Where: CombatAUS National Performance Centre, Lakeside Stadium, 31 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, VIC
When: Friday, 26 August at 6:00pm
Food and beverages provided.
Please note that the event will take place on the mat at the National Performance Centre and attendees will be required to remove shoes to enter the mat.
Expression of Interest
To gauge the number of attendees, please express your interest in the event HERE
Victorian Institute of Sport media contact
Camilla Blands
0424 928 060