Antoine Valois-Fortier to lead Canadian judo team in Rio
2012 bronze medallist among 8 judoka selected to Canadian team
Olympic bronze medallist Antoine Valois-Fortier will lead Canada's judo team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Valois-Fortier, from Quebec City, will be looking for his second Olympic podium finish after taking bronze in the men's under-81-kilogram event at the 2012 London Games. It was Canada's first Olympic judo medal in 12 years.
"I am happy and proud to once again represent the country at the Olympics. But pride aside, I am really going to Rio to perform," Valois-Fortier said in a statement. "I am feeling a bit of pressure this time, but much of it comes from within.
"I have a great entourage and that is what gives me confidence going forward. I am in good shape and good health, which is the most important thing in my opinion."
The following athletes will join Valois-Fortier in Rio:
- Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, Saint-Hubert, Que. (women's under-57 kg)
- Antoine Bouchard, Jonquiere, Que. (men's under-60 kg)
- Ecaterina Guica, La Prairie, Que. (women's under-52 kg)
- Arthur Margelidon, Montreal, Que. (men's under-73 kg)
- Sergio Pessoa Jr., Montreal, Que. (men's under-60 kg)
- Kyle Reyes, Toronto, Ont. (men's under-100 kg)
- Kelita Zupancic, Whitby, Ont. (women's under-70 kg)
Beauchemin-Pinard is coming off a silver medal performance at the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.
They will be led by national team head coach and two-time Olympic medallist Nicolas Gill, women's assistant coach, Sasha Mehmedovic and men's assistant coach, Michel Almeida.
The Olympic judo events will take place Aug. 6-12 at the Carioca Arena 2.