By day, she is a hard-working student who rarely steps into the gym or onto the field. At night, she is a standout two-sport athlete who manages to juggle a hectic training schedule.
"Not many at my school think I even do sports. They think I'm non-athletic," laughed Georgia Larden.
No one had that idea at the Canadian Junior Judo Championships where the Grade 11 student at Hugh Boyd secondary earned a bronze medal in her first-ever appearance on the national stage. Or even at the recent Women's World Field Lacrosse Championships in Germany where she faced elite talent well beyond her years as a member of the eastern-based Haudenosaunee team.
It's been a busy summer for Larden who gets about a week of down time before it all gets going again.
She will soon be preparing for her club season in field lacrosse and will return to her regular three-times-a-week judo schedule, including two appearances at the Steveston Judo Club where is one of just five athletes training at the elite level.
Amazingly, Larden only took up the martial arts discipline four years ago but has a lot going for her including her athleticism and bloodlines. Her mom participated in judo and her grandfather is a former provincial team coach.
"She is very much so (on the fast track for development)," said Kane Morishita, one of Larden's three instructors. "She is such a phenomenal athlete that she is able to pick up things much faster than perhaps someone who has been in the sport longer but is not as athletic."
Competing in the under-17 U70 kg. class, Larden had five bouts and defeated opponents from Quebec and Ontario to reach the podium.
"I definitely wasn't expecting to medal," said the blue belt. "I just wanted to go and have a good experience for my first time and maybe do it next year. The intensity was so much higher from what I was use to. I could feel it.
"(Laughing) I just enjoy beating people up. It's one of the very best parts. I like to win and in judo you are by yourself so no one is doing it for me. I'm the reason I win or lose."
The world field lacrosse opportunity came via an invite from her cousin. Larden had to make four trips back east to secure her spot on the team, although her judo background only enhanced her chances.
"They notice just how good her balance is and how patient she can be which other players don't have," said her father Scott Larden. "That comes from judo. It's a good cross over sport and both have helped her out."
Georgia is one of just three girls who train on a regular basis at Steveston. The club hopes more will register for its fall programs and realize what judo has to offer.
"It's just so beneficial for women," added Morishita. "One thing is fitness, two is selfdefence and three is self-confidence. "It's a phenomenal sport to excel at and being an Olympic sport, with the (participation) numbers small in Canada, you really have a chance to succeed and get to world status."
The Steveston Judo Club offers a variety programs for all ages and abilities. For more information, visit the club website at www.stevestonjudo.com.
mbooth@richmond-news.com
