Jessica Rankin (14) from Umhlanga Rocks recently participated in the USA Olympic camp in Boston, Massachusetts, gaining valuable experience and training with some athletes currently competing in the Rio Olympic Games.
Following the camp she competed in the US Open Judo Championship in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, and was awarded a silver medal in the Juvenile – A F U44 and a bronze in the IJF Junior F U44.
Rankin said “the Olympic camp was a great experience and training alongside some of my sporting heroes was a dream come true. The US Open was a tough competition, with highly ranked players from many different countries. I loved it, and it’s given me the confidence to realise that I can be competitive with the top Judokas, and if I work hard, and continue to believe in myself, I will achieve my dream of medalling in the Olympics one day”
Jessica trains at Gladiator Fight Academy in Pinetown under Sensei Johan Duckworth. Said Duckworth “I am so proud of Jess. This has been a big eye opener for her and I know she will only go forward from here. Fantastic achievement. Seriously!”
Related: Sky’s the limit for 13 year old artist Jessica Rankin
