Mowatt and Gagné

Montreal, February 8, 2020 – Judoka Priscilla Gagné (-57 kg) and Christina Mowatt (-52 kg) each won a bronze medal for Canada at the German Open on Heidelberg, in Germany, on Saturday.

For Gagné, who was previously fighting in -52 kg, the tournament was an important step in her preparation for the Paralympic qualifications.

“Many countries came with their Paralympic hopes,” explained Canadian coach Andrzej Sadej. “Priscilla was up against strong opponents, who were taller and stronger.”

She was defeated by world champion Zeynep Çelic, from Turkey, and Paralympic silver medallist Da Silva Teixeira Araujo, from Brazil. However, Gagné won against Ukrainian Ludmila Lohatskaya to earn a spot on the podium.

Christina Mowatt was competing on European soil for the first time. She ended the day with a record of 2-2. One of her losses was against Inna Cherniak, from Ukraine, first on the world ranking. Mowatt also fought against Brazilian Maria Lins, three weeks after defeating her at the Pan American Championships in Montreal; however, this time, the Brazilian had the upper hand.

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada