When Lotta Grage arrived in Nelson on a foreign exchange scheme in July, little did she expect to win two national sporting titles.
The 16-year-old competed in judo in western Germany and wanted to keep it up while here for five months.
“I researched and came across a club in Brightwater and managed to get a lift there from Stoke where I am staying,” says the Nayland College student.
She found the Nelson Judo Club very welcoming and was encouraged to quickly sign up to compete at the New Zealand champs in Auckland earlier this month.
Entering three grades, Lotta soon discovered that meant a gruelling 12-match schedule across two days.
“At one stage I had four fights in a row, with no break in between. I won the first three, but had no energy left by the fourth and lost that,” rues Lotta, who won gold in the U63kg cadet and junior women grades, plus a bronze medal.
“That was so cool. I even beat a national champion. I am fast and don’t give up,” declares the German judoka.
Sentiments shared by Yui Sakamoto who was coaching from the sidelines.
“I could see she was exhausted but kept fighting. My advice to her was enjoy it,” says Yui.
Lotta has had a busy time, also fitting in six weeks of kickboxing and trying her hand at windsurfing for the first time.
“I am from an inland city of Munster so have loved the outdoors, adventure and travel down the West Coast,” enthuses Lotta, who opted for Nelson ahead of the USA for her foreign experience. Meanwhile, her adopted club won a fourth medal with Kaz Corcoran claiming silver in the veteran 70kg grade.
“It was pretty close. I never mind losing to someone who is a better fighter. She was bigger but I pushed her hard,” says Kaz, who is a key figure in the strong female ranks at the Nelson Judo Club.
The Wakefield judoka, who had six fights, reports it was great to see so many New Zealand representatives show up, which ensured tough competition.
“It was tough for Lotta, too. She was awesome as her schedule was insane. Another woman who had four fights in a row ended up passing out.”
The club sent a five strong team to Auckland with Chun Yen Cheong and Cael Carrington both competing with distinction in the senior men’s ranks but narrowly missing out on medals.
Injury forced international fighter John Maxwell to withdraw ahead of the male veterans’ competition.
