15-year-old Kiana Ivey has her eyes set on being one of Canada's best judo athletes (photo courtesy Teagan Rasche)

By Teagan Rasche

Eye set on Elite 8

Local athlete preparing for a big judo season

Nov 18, 2021 | 5:17 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Over and over again, Kiana Ivey practices her takedowns and techniques down in the dojo.

Judo is one of the many sports she competes in, but it’s one of her favourites.

“I love the competitions and travelling and just all the people you get to meet,” Kiana said. “It’s really fun.”

Kiana is at the start of her eighth season. The 15-year-old just returned from the Quebec Open Judo Tournament, winning bronze in the U18 70-kilogram division.

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That competition is just a stepping stone on the way to bigger goals for this season.

Becoming one of Canada’s best young judo athletes is no easy feat but her coach Stephen Young believes in her.

“If anyone can achieve these goals, Kiana can,” Young said.

Judo is a family affair in Kiana’s family. Her father and older brother are also involved in the sport.

But her success has been her own doing. Kiana’s one of those athletes who go above and beyond.

“She has all of her training schedules, she does the judo training, she also crosstrains in wrestling,” Young said. “They are similar disciplines so she can use the skills back and forth. She takes extra time to go strength train, she does CrossFit, she lifts weights with her family.”

With wrestling season coming up, Kiana will be busy juggling both sports. At the end of the day, they just compliment each other making her a better athlete.

All she wants is to take this sport as far as she can.

“Whether it’s competitions or just ending up coaching when I’m older,” Kiana said.

Next up, Kiana is heading to British Columbia to compete in the Steveson Judo Tournament. Her placing will determine if she qualifies for the Elite 8.