Montreal, May 23, 2017 – Lydia Enman will be the youngest athlete to participate in the 2017 Canadian Judo Championships Presented by biosports.team, which are being held in Calgary from May 25 to 28. The gutsy 12-year-old from Prince Edward Island will be competing in the U16 division against opponents who are both larger and heavier than she is.

Lydia Enman is listening attentively to Stéfanie Tremblay.

“I’m really looking forward to it because it will be my biggest tournament yet. So far, the highest level tournament I’ve competed in has been the Quebec Open. But I’m also nervous because I’ll be competing against older girls who are in a higher weight division than me,” admitted Enman.

The Under 37 kg category, in which she usually competes, does not exist at the Nationals so she will be competing in the Under 44 kg group.

This will not be the first time Enman tests herself against larger opponents. “I often train with older judokas to practice for the tournament. I don’t win very often, but once in a while I do. It’s a good way to gain experience,” said the native of Miscouche.

Despite her young age, Enman has several years of experience in judo. Her most notable result so far has been a bronze medal at the Quebec Open. She was very proud to step onto the podium at the largest tournament of her career. In 2017, she won the provincials in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.

For the Enmans, judo is a family affair. In addition to attending the dojo five hours a week, Lydia, who has been practising judo since the age of four, trains with her father. She also practises with her sister Loren in the basement of their family home.

“We set up judo mats in the basement. My sister and I practise a lot. She’ll be at the Calgary tournament too,” noted the young athlete.

Lydia is not one to sit still. In addition to training at the dojo, she participates in track and field, badminton, volleyball, softball, and theatre. However, judo is her sport of choice.

Her goal for the coming year is to qualify for the 2019 Canada Games, and she believes that her presence at the Canadian Championships will be the first step toward achieving her dream.

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