 Just want to get outta here already. The 2 hour time difference is absolutely brutal. I have been waking up at 5am every morning, wide awake and ready to go for the day. So competing in the El Salvador World Cup is always an experience. This is my third time coming to this country. This was the first time that we did not have Police Escorts following us around everywhere. I guess since there was only five American's they figured we would be okay. Our little team didn't do too bad either. My team mates Tony Sangimino and Brad Bolen bring home a Silver and a Bronze Medal. Also my other Team Mate Nick Kossor placed fifth. I weighed in super light for this tournament, for some reason I just keep getting smaller and smaller. Not even trying at this point. But I am not complaining. I get to eat and drink whatever I want, then hop on the scale and go eat some more. It is awesome! I admit I am really happy about winning this tournament. After my two bronze place finishes in Miami, it feels super satisfying to end on a winning note. Plus it bumps me up on the World Ranking list, and now I am the number one ranked -63kg player.
I am not sure where my next stop is, but this win is only going to make me more motivated
Here I am again, doing my favorite thing, sitting on the airport floor people watching. Unfortunately there are no power plugs anywhere close to a chair and my butt is so sore from the competition on Saturday. I have no idea what I did, but it feels like I just did a WOD with lunges and squats. I am pretty happy about my performance at these two tournaments. I am coming home with two bronze medals, and my only losses were to the Cuban girl that won both of the tournaments. Bringing home a World Cup Bronze Medal and a U.S. Open Bronze Medal is not too shabby! I love how I am finally beginning to feel comfortable at this weight division. It took me a little bit to adjust to the new weight category, but in one year I have won the US Open (2011), Won Nationals, placed at a world cup and a picked up another International Medal at this year’s US OPEN.
This trip was intense. Saturday my team mate -73kg player Nick Delpoplo had the Olympic Fight off. After four intense matches he can finally call himself an Olympian. I am so happy for him, and I am so happy that I got to witness the trials. Seeing him compete and train for this Olympics has only made me hungrier for the next four years. I cannot wait until I can say that “I am an Olympian.”
I am kind of stressing out a little bit, I have three finals this week, and I also have to focus on my next tournament coming up this weekend. I am competing in the El Salvador World Cup and I am leaving on Thursday. I haven’t even looked at any of my notes or studied for my finals. I feel like I have forgotten everything that I have learned in my classes. I have been in a judo bubble for so long, I forgot that I have to function in other parts of my life. So funny, I am in such a fog that I even forgot my cellphone in the taxi cab this morning. So I am going to have to buy myself a new phone when I get home today. I thought about getting the Iphone, but I am a huge fan of the droid phones. Maybe I will get the droid razzr? No matter what, it is absolutely annoying that I forgot my phone in the taxi. Absolute Epic Fail!
So after El Salvador, we have our annual Morris Cup tournament and then I am free for the whole entire summer. This is so weird to me because the past three summers I have spent almost a month traveling and competing in places like Brazil, El Salvador and Venezuela – but since the Olympics are this summer all the tournaments are super early this year and now I have three months to actually enjoy! So bizarre! I have a bucket list on what I want to do this summer. Nothing too exciting- I really just want to focus on staying in shape and working on my tan! Maybe hang out by the beach, bbq, camping, boating, skydiving! I mean what do people usually do during the summertime? I feel like I do not have a clue.
It is always funny when people ask me what my hobbies are. I have to actually think about it. I put all my energy into working out and training. That when I do have down time- I usually sleep, watch my tv shows, maybe read? So maybe my objective this summer will be to find a hobby!! Any ideas?
I am posting a few pictures from the Miami World Cup and the U.S. Open! Enjoy!!
Just two more days until I leave for Miami. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. I remember talking to my team mates and saying, 3 more months until the Miami World Cup, and now its right in my face. I am extremely excited to compete. I feel great. Mentally and Physically. My diet has been extremely good, and I work out twice a day. I am getting proper rest. I feel ready. It almost feels like studying, when you study for an exam, and you know you are going to pass and do well. That is exactly how I feel about this competition coming up.
So I am competing in the Miami World Cup, then the U.S. open and in two weeks I am flying down to El Salvador to compete in a World Cup. Last year the Miami World Cup was the first World Cup that I fought 63kg, and I fought well. I placed 7th and the U.S. open was the first big tournament that I have won at this division. So I am hoping to keep my US Open Champion title. It is a weird feeling to be excited about a tournament. I wish the tournament was tomorrow, so I can pack my stuff up and get the hell outta here.
After this tournament stretch, I will be competing in the Morris Cup, practically in my back yard. It is at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. I graduated from this school back in 2006, and we have our annual tournament there every year. It’s such a trip when you walk back into your old high school. It’s like a rush of a million of silly memories. Mainly it makes me think of all the great times I had in gym class. YEAH, I admit I was a huge jock. I loved gym class, and I lived for that class. We had gym class every three days and it was a 80 minute period. So we used to do a lot of fun stuff for gym. My favorite was floor hockey, for some reason putting a big stick in my hand turned me into the Incredible Hulk and I just went nuts. I was always captain of the team. I used to get really annoyed at the girls that complained about getting sweaty or never really tried. I loved it when the gym teachers let us play with the guys because then it made things a lot more fun. We used to play softball and other things with the boys. AND I lovedddd it.
Okay, so I got kind of off track. Anyways, I also wanted to say Congratulations to my Team Mate Kyle Vashkulat for making the 2012 Olympic Team. He was named on the team last Saturday Night after the Pan American Championships. He will be representing TEAM USA in the -100kg weight division. My other team mate Nick Delpopolo is having a fight off in Miami for the Olympic Spot for the -73kg weight division and I wish him the best of luck!!
As for me, I got a long 4 years ahead of me. Filled with competitions and training and whatever else is thrown in front of me. I say, “Bring it On.”
Xx
Hannah
I figure I write something funny, instead of wallowing in sorrow because I am not going to be with my fellow team mates at the 2012 Olympic Games! I am extremely ecstatic for the people that made the team- I just want to be there too!! So I was talking to some of the girls that I do judo with, and its funny how we have our own culture- that non-judo girls would seem to understand. Most of us judo girls always think we are fat when we are not "on weight." I think its funny that I have clothes that I wear when I am on weight and close to weight, and then clothes that I wear when gain all the weight back.
#judogirlproblems- when everyone stares at you at the gym because you are wearing three layers of clothing when you are running on the tredmill.#judogirlproblems-the moment you say that you do judo and a guy goes, "OH MAN- I don't wanna mess with you. You are going to judo chop me."#judogirlproblems- When a stranger messages you on facebook and talks about how they would want to wrestle you.#judogirlproblems-not being able to get a manicure because after 5 mins of judo your nailpolish will already start to chip off.#judogirlproblems- putting make-up and doing your hair seems pointless when you are working out twice a day.
#judogirlproblems- when someone tries to hold your hand and realizes that your fingers are crooked and swollen.
#judogirlproblems- when you wear shorts, dress, or skirt everyone comments on how many bruises you have on your legs.
#judogirlproblems-Not being able to form complete sentences because you are cutting weight
#judogirlproblems- Constantly obsessing about what you are going to eat and drink after you make weight.
#judogirlproblems- PermasStink!
#judogirlproblems- Protein bars become your best friends because they don't even weigh .1
#judogirlproblems- Having nightmares about making weight.
#judogirlproblems- Turf Toe and Bone Bruises! OW!
#judogirlproblems- When you wear girlie clothes your back and shoulders look Huuggeeeee!!!
#judogirlproblems- It's sad when your muscles are bigger than some of the guys that you work with.
#judogirlproblems- forgetting to back a normal bra on trips
I am sure there are a lot of man more funny judogirlproblem stories!! please feel free to let me know if you have any good ones to add to the list
This is all familiar territory. Washington Dulles airport. Uncomfortable black seats, annoying United Airlines announcements, facebook creepin, people watchin....these are the things I do when I have a 6 hour layovers. Layovers are by far the worse, especially on the way to tournaments. When I had to cut weight when I fought 57kg I dreaded the whole traveling process. 6 hours felt like days when you are staring at Jamba Juice, PizzaHut, and Wendy's. Even though I am not starving to death anymore, this traveling process is so annoying. Especially when you are alone. My team mates and I didn't really plan out the traveling arrangements to well, we all got different flights at different times. That is usually what happens when we have tournaments that are in the states.
I haven't blogged in awhile. I have been busy with finishing up my semester at school. I really can't wait until this semester is over. I feel like I can never concentrate when I am in class, my mind is always wandering off thinking about what workout I am going to do today, and what is the next tournament I need to start planning for. It also doesn't help that I never have a day off. On the days that I am not in class, I am working at the crackerbarrel- this non-stop busy life style is really starting to take a toll on me. I wish I had the extra time to just lay in bed for a few extra hours and take my time. I love those days where you roll out of bed, turn on the tv, make coffee, make breakfast, and not have to worry about rushing out of your house to make it to class on time. Ahh maybe one of these days?
So I am on my way to Dallas, Texas to compete in Senior Nationals. Last year was a complete disaster for me. A month before Senior Nationals I told my coach that I decided that I am going to move up to the 63kg weight division because I didn't want to cut weight anymore. I am sure you have heard the story. Cutting weight is seriously a B*tch. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. Last year the tournament was in Orlando, Florida. I remember the venue not being too far away from Sea World and Universal Studios. My parents even decided to vacation down in Florida and watch me compete. (that doesn't happen very often)
Last Year I came to the Nationals- thinking I was going to do well. In my mind I was like I am bigger and stronger. I was confident that I was going to do well. My first match didn't go over too well, I ended up getting disqualified for a "potential leg grab" when my hand was clearly on her hip. I was extremely disappointed- I think I might have even cried a little bit. But I hope things work out differently this year. I am the #2 seed, and I am hoping to meet the #1 seed in the final. I have never won Senior Nationals before, I seem to always get silver. So here I am- hoping that I come home with a Gold Medal.
I haven't been to Texas in almost 3 years. I am sooo lookin forward to the awesome food and hopefully the warms sunny weather. This weather that we are having in upstate New York is def mediocre. One day it is 89 degrees and then the next day its 55! The temperature changes really mess with your body- and for me. I never know what to wear because I am not sure if I am going to over/under dress for the day!!!
I also wanted to share that I was recently featured in the new Martial Arts Pulse magazine
Here is what my article looked like:
Sorry I do not have a better copy of the article.
And here is a little picture of me from this morning! on weight and readdyyy too gooo!!
I can't go back in time- but If I could....I really wish I got the surgery on my knee when I first tore my ACL. I tore my ACL back in November 2009. The day after Thanksgiving, I can remember it clearly. I was having a great practice, I was kicking the crap out of this little 15 year old boy ( we were the same weight) and I remember my coach teasing him for getting beat by a girl. At this point, I felt awesome, inside and out I am sure I had a huge grin on my face because I knew the kid was getting more and more frustrated. Unfortunately, in one small moment I planted my foot while I was trying to attack at the same time he attacked and in one split second. I felt it happen, Excruciating pain INSTANTLY. At one time it felt like someone was stabbing my knee and running it over with a garbage truck. I heard a weird noise, and right away I knew something was wrong.
For a girl, I have a huge pain tolerance. I have dislocated almost all my fingers, sprained my wrists, ankle, broke a bone in my hand, hyper-extended my elbow a few times, tore a muscle in my lower back..etc.. ya know the typical day to day injuries you get just from doing the sport. But after each injury I was always back the next day, working through the pain - because in my head I am thinking if i am not on the mat practicing it will give my opponents a better chance to get ahead of me. I am crazy competitive like that. If there is one thing I can control- its being able to get myself to practice everyday regardless of how I feel.
But after this incident occurred I knew this was something serious. This was something that I couldn't possibly ignore. I remember having my coach Teri look at my knee after practice and the look on her face wasn't too promising. She had a few ACL surgeries herself, so she knew exactly what was going on.
I took the next few days off from judo and work. I was hobbling around everywhere, but was still determined to get back to practice as fast as I could. A few days later I put my gi on and was ready to practice. I had to sit out during our warm-up ( which is 30mins of touch football) which is probably one of my favorite games to play of all time. However, going back to judo a few days later was a big mistake, the first few moves I did made my knee feel horrible. It almost felt like I tore my ACL all over again.
I remember feeling so frustrated and defeated, why was this happening to me?? After that one incident at practice I decided it was finally time to get a MRI, go to the doctor and see what was up. But- I already knew what was up and I didn't want to hear the truth. I was in denial. I was pretty sure that I was going to wake up one day and be able to walk just fine. The doctor did a few tests on my knee and was already talking about my surgery date.
:"Is there anyway I can still do judo without the surgery? Are there any alternatives? If I did get the surgery when would I be able to start training again?"
"6months to a year" he answered me, "And ACL's do not repair themselves."
Right then and there I started to cry. I already had flights to compete in Sophia, Bulgaria and at the Paris Grand Slam.
"So, when would you like to schedule your surgery?" the doctor asked me.
I remember looking at my dad shaking my head, "We will get back to you."
The doctor looked concerned, "You are an athlete, we know how important this is, We could do the surgery as soon as next week.."
And it ends there. I took the next 2 weeks off from judo, then I was right back on the mat getting ready to train for one of the biggest tournaments of the year. I remember how painful every night was at practice. My knee would always give out, and it would feel like someone was literally stabbing my cartilage. Every time it happened I would sit out and tell myself, "Hannah, It's only pain. It is just pain.....It doesn't matter.. now get back up and train. Fight through it. You are fine."
Yeah, I got back up and trained alright. I also had to start running on it while I was making weight for the upcoming tournaments. I started doing light squats and other things to strengthen all the other muscles surrounding my knee. However, almost every night it would feel like someone was stabbing my knee. But I pushed through it, and found myself competing and being able to function with the pain. "It's only pain right?" That is all I had to tell myself.
As the months flew by I grew hesitant and scared. It really started to mess up my game. I was scared to try certain moves because I was afraid it was going to tear my knee in half and all I wanted to do was to make sure my knee didn't "give out." Light squats and leg exercises started making my leg stronger, and I stopped running everyday because running only made the pain worse. When I stopped running- that is when I really started to suffer with the weight cutting. I was lifting more and getting stronger, focusing on building muscle around my knee, and it seemed to be working.
I have been in denial this whole time. All of my friends and team mates told me to get surgery, "You need to get surgery, you need to get surgery. You have no ACL. you need to get surgery.." but I refused to listen. I felt like I was past that, the knee pain was beginning to decrease and at times I forgot that I even was injured until my knee would occasionally give out when I was walking through the mall or serving pancakes at work.
I began to realize how Strong I actually was when I started doing Crossfit, and I did back squats. I remember telling the coach that I am not sure if I can squat heavy. I have really weak legs... then I ended up squatting almost 200pounds. Yeah, it hurt a little bit, but after I squatted heavy for the first time I realized how mentally tough I was. Doing Crossfit workouts and pushing myself during the WOD's made me realize that I didn't have to be hesitant while I was doing Judo. If my knee could handle heavy squats and thrusters than why couldn't it in Judo?
I have no ACL right now, and I am competing at the highest level of my life, and in the past few years I have done better than I ever could have imagined. I am able to run, squat heavy, and I can even do PISTOLS (one legged squats) - with my bad knee.!! The only reason why I am able to do this is because I refused to give up. Yes- in some ways I was really dumb for not getting the surgery but I still can't believe how far I have come without it.
There are set backs though- like tonight- Sometimes when I push myself too far my knee just starts to ache, sometimes I am scared to get out of bed in the morning because the first few steps actually hurt. Sometimes when I am walking my leg just gives out. I am extra scared to walk on ice because if I slip.... I might not be able to get back up. But I have to deal with the decision that I made. I decided to not get surgery and that is why I have constant knee pain.
Yes, I could stop and drop everything and get surgery right now.
Probably a good idea??? I wish I got it done when it immediately happened
It is a toss up though. I am in the best shape of my life right now, my judo keeps getting better and better. I can run faster, I can jump higher, I can squat, do pistols, Play football! I can do it.. but I always question myself. If I can do it with no ACL does that mean I could do it better if I had one?
It seem's like an easy decision. But honestly, I have no idea what to do.
So I continue to train..and improve myself. Work through the aches and pains- because we all have pain and we all handle it differently.
Unfortunately....
Even though I did not qualify for the Olympics this year, I have not given up. It is not the end of my career, but just the beginning. I now feel more hungry than ever to make it to the Olympic podium in 2016. Each and everyday I find myself improving, as an athlete, a student, a daughter and a friend. I know exactly what my goal is and each and everyday is one step closer to that goal- to my dream.
I took the time to evaluate the past 4 years to figure out what went wrong while I was preparing to compete in Nationals, World Cups and A+ World Events. What I hate to admit is that I was never mentally prepared to fight at these events. I went into these events the wrong way, hoping to get one win or two. I feel that the only way to truly succeed is to go into each and every tournament fighting your game and knowing in your head that you can win anything. Going into a competition with the full understanding that NOBODY can knock you down- is what I should have been thinking all along. I am no longer hesitant or unsure of myself.
Recently I was introduced to young up and coming athletes, "This is Hannah Martin, a future Olympian." The statement set me back, I was like wait a minute, My name and Olympian all in one sentence...that is what I am working for. This is what I have made sacrifices for. I want this more than anything.
The 2012 Olympics are in 140 Days in London. I know I am going to be jealous while I am watching the games and cheering for Team USA, because I know how close I was to being there. But I am also proud of some of my team mates who made the team because I know how HARD it is to get there.
It sucks that I have been training so long and hard for my dream and I haven't gotten there yet- But I promise you and myself, that this is not the end of my career. Like I said earlier- this is the beginning. You are going to be seeing a lot of me in the near future. ( and I am hoping you don't get sick of me)
Watch out 2016!!
and as always I THANK EVERYONE that has supported me the last 4 years, and I am continually grateful for the Support that is to come!
Check out my interview below post Pedro's Challenge Tournament:
Woke up this morning feeling awful. My body was aching, I was sore. Everything hurt. I wanted to press snooze but there is nothing worse than hearing the sound of your alarm clock in the morning-and than hearing it go off again and again and again. So I try to avoid the snooze button as much as possible just because for that whole 5 minutes I am thinking about how awful that sound is.
Since coming home from Europe, I have not stopped. I had to jump right back into life. Work, School, Judo and Working out. Nothing has changed, life in New York is just the way I have left it. Of course I am having to play catch up in my classes, and I wish I didn't have to return to work. But the best part of coming back home is going back to your home dojo and practicing for the first time. There is really nothing like that feeling of being able to practice at home. I feel like every person should feel confident and comfortable when they are training in their home gym. You have nothing to lose and there is no pressure when you are there. You are at home training with your family and fellow team mates. I really do enjoy it.
So I have been busy, and tired. But my motivation levels have been extremely high. People always say you are an extremely motivated person. You have a lot on your plate. I always hear people give excuses why they can't work out or why they are missing practices, and I always laugh at those people. In my opinion, if you really want to make a change or get better at something you will make time for it. I feel like people always have time to play, hang out with friends and go out to parties. Some days my day starts at 430 in the morning- I go to work, workout, go to school and judo and usually don't end up sitting down and relaxing until 10 at night.
Where does motivation come from? What keeps us motivated? Personally, my goals keep me motivated. My coach made a great point to me on the plane back from Europe. He told me that he hated to miss practice- because he never wanted his competition to get ahead of him. He felt that every second that he missed on the mat, was a missed opportunity. I remember when I was younger and in my partying stages, someone mentioned to me, "Do you think your competition has a drink in their hand right now?" That statement made me realize that I should spend every single second trying to get one step ahead of my competition. It is like running a race, if you stop and tie your shoe, the person behind you is going to fly right by you. Yes, there are days when you feel so worn out and beaten that the only thing you feel like you should do is to sit down and not move. Sometimes I find that if you push yourself even on the days you didn't feel right. Maybe you were sore from doing heavy squats from the day before, or you worked a 12 hour shift on 4 hours of sleep- sometimes I find that the days that you push yourself when you are not feeling your the best- those are the days that you make the most gains.
I have had some of my best practices running on 4 hours of sleep. I have had amazing training camps even though my body was sore and beat up.
I am not superwoman, I have realized that- especially after taking on a full college workload, training full time and working 25 hours a week. I often feel that I begin to lag, and sometimes I lean on caffeine a little too much to keep me going throughout the day- but in the end it is my commitment to my dreams and goals that get me to finish the day strong, and in my head- help me to finish this on-going raise to come out on top.
Everyday that I accomplish gets me one step closer to that Olympic and World Podium. It really is only in arm's reach, and that is what keeps me from pressing the snooze button every morning.
European Tour Update:
Here I am sitting in the Orly Airport in Paris, France. I was going through security and every single worker was like, you speak English?! And I go yes, I am from New York. I have never seen people in Paris so excited to see someone from New York. Three of them came over and took my passport out of my hand, and kept going “Ah, Hannah Montana!” And I was like “Oui. That’s me!” One of the girls asked me what fragrance I was wearing and all in all it was just a really strange encounter. They all had to say Bye to me and they all made sure I knew where I was going. Probably one of the most pleasant experiences I have ever had in an airport. I have about an hour and a half until my plane leaves for Budapest, Hungary. I am sitting in front of a gourmet café and I see a bunch of people with big cups of coffee. I haven’t had a BIG cup of coffee in over a week. Every time I ask for a cappuccino they hand me this tiny half a shot of espresso and milk, and it costs 4euros! I mean it taste amazing, but it does not satisfy my coffee addiction. I really enjoy drinking coffee; it is just one of those things I look forward to. I wake up in the morning excited to drink that first cup of coffee, and if it is not a good quality cup than my whole day is off. (Well-maybe I am exaggerating a little bit)
So let’s talk Judo. I competed last Saturday in the Paris Grand Slam. I kind of wish I could erase my name off the draw sheets and pretend I wasn’t there because I did not compete well at all. I felt good, I was in shape for this, Just competed like a complete piece of poop. (Excuse my French) The French training camp was good, I did five training sessions, and I feel like I have gotten some quality experience from going with all the top players from all over the world. I have to keep reminding myself, this is only the beginning for me. My journey doesn’t end after the 2012 Olympics, I have other goals I want to accomplish in judo, and my first big goal is to make the 2013 World Team. YES it seems like it is SO far away. But I have short term goals of course. I am planning on going to Brazil, Argentina, Miami, and El Salvador in the summer time to compete in World Cups there. My ultimate goal is to feel comfortable competing on the international level. Realistically I have only been competing at this level for 2 years- so I am really a baby at this level compared to the big names that have been at this level for many years. And once again I have to realize how great of an opportunity this is for me, some people will never have the chance to compete at this level and experience the world like I have. I always feel so old, when I think about what I have done. My coach always reminds me that I am still a baby and that I have a lot of years left in me as far as the judo scene goes.
So what should I expect in Hungary? I am expecting the tournament to be just as big as the one last weekend. It is a world cup; it is going to be tough. I am def mentally prepared since I have been in Europe for over a week now, I am used to the time difference, I won’t be tired from all the traveling, my weight is good. All the odds should be in my favor- now I just need to pull the trigger and create a result. Three more days left in Europe. I might as well give it my all right?
Paris Grand Slam 2012  Paris Grand Slam One of the biggest Judo tournaments in the World, Fans from all over France come to watch this prestigious event.It is aired on Television and reporters from many different places are here to take pictures and interview the best athletes in the World. As much as I hate to write about how I performed. I just want to say this is the just the beginning of my judo career. I will be competing in the Paris Grand Slam for many more years. I am happy to say that the USA brought home two medals from this event. Marti Malloy -57kg takes home a bronze medal and former World Champion Kayla Harrison -78kg takes home a silver medal! Yahh Girl's! From the Jason Morris Judo Center -73kg Nick Delpopolo placed 5th- and competed very well! The best of the best come to this event- it is a hard competition. The next part of my journey is also going to be tough- I have a three day training camp with the best players in the world. 2 practices a day. It is going to be fantastic. Then on Thursday I travel to Budapest, Hungary to compete in a World Cup there. Today was Fun. I got to finally see the Eiffel Tower and walk around and sight-see - Which I never ever do when I am on trips. I think my favorite part of all of this was having a crepe filled with nutella and bananas with a hot warm cappuccino. I don't have much to say but here are some photos:
and the write up on the Tournament: Delpopolo takes fifth in Paris
Paris, France - 2007 Burnt Hills High graduate, Nick Delpopolo (22) took fifth place for the second straight year at the Paris Grand Slam earning valuable ranking points on the world roster. Delpopolo started his day facing off against Emmanuel Narety (GHA) which was a rematch off the Great Britain World Cup final in October 2011, which Delpopolo won in a tightly contested battle. This time around, Delpopolo scored early and often to secure a decisive victory. Nick then knocked off former world bronze medalist Kzrysztof Wilkomirski (POL) in an overtime thriller improving his record against the Pole to 2-3 to make it all the way to the quarterfinals. Delpopolo who is ranked #15 in the world had a quick turnaround for his next match having to gear up again in three bouts for #10 ranked, Nyam-Ochir Sainjargal (MGL) who was the beneficiary of a walkover as the Romanian fighter had to withdraw due to injury. The Mongolian barely held on to a 2-1 shido (penalties) lead in a very tight battle to claim victory. Sainjargal rode the momentum all the way to 73kg title. Delpopolo will participate in the French training camp all this week then go directly to Germany while his JMJC teammates head to the Austrian World Cup. The JMJC athletes will train at the Austrian camp before heading to meet up with Delpopolo for the Dusseldorf Grand Prix. 2x world team member Brad Bolen (23) lost a closely contested 1st round match to Alex Aomako (GHA). During the final minute, the momentum of the match seemed to be shifting to Brad's favor as he put a significant amount of pressure on his opponent using various offensive techniques. Unfortunately with one second left Bolen was countered for a small score resulting in his elimination from his 2nd Paris Grand Slam. Having gained valuable experience Bolen will compete again next week in Austria for another shot to solidify his 1st olympic birth. Hannah Martin (23) was eliminated from Paris' biggest stage losing to Jessica Garcia (PUR). Martin came out strong displaying confidence from her previous win against Garcia at the Morris Cup in 2010. However, the high level of competition of the worlds best at this Grand Slam was unforgivable for the Burnt Hills grad as Garcia capitalized on a small mistake made by Martin and threw her for ippon. An ever upbeat Martin will continue her journey and partake in the charge for medals at the women's only Hungarian World Cup next weekend. Burnt Hills grad and 2x National Champion Nick Kossor (26) lost a tight opening bout against Blichenko from the Ukraine. For the majority of the match both players were tenative to engage and spent most of the match time sizeing each other up. Towards the end of the match Kossor pressed hard and scored on the Ukranian but ultimately didnt have enough time to come back from the 3 penalty deficit. Kossor will remain in Paris with the JMJC team and participate in the Paris training camp all week before heading to the mens world cup in Austria next weekend.
 Trying to Pose in front of the Tower  Brad Bolen and I at the LUVRE ( might be spelling it wrong)
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