A pair of Campbell River atheltes came home with medals from the Canadian nationals held at Richmond oval, site of the 2010 olympic speed skating.
Approximately 300 competitors from all provinces competed as Karate B.C. hosted this high level event on the weekend, the first time since 2006.
Two local competitors represented B.C. in this event, veteran Chad Edberg and Valerie Doyon both competed in the kumite or sparring event. Doyon competed friday drawing last year’s national champion in the first round. She managed three points on her but came up short with a valiant effort. Doyon dominated her next two matches and came out victorious in both those. In her fourth match she ended up with a tie so the judges had to make a decision. Doyon lost this decision by 3 to 2 flags.
That victory would have put her in the gold medal match. Instead she ended up with a Bronze medal. This is Doyon’s first trip to nationals and the team is pleased with her personal best at this tournament.
Chad Edberg was eliminated in the men’s black belt plus 84kg kumite. The setback didn’t sit well with Edberg and the next day he went on to lead the British Columbia men’s team to a silver medal in the team Kumite event. Edberg’s first nationals were in 1993 at the age of 14 and he has won national medals in every tournament he has entered.
Edberg has been a member of Karate BC team since that time except several years when he attended university.
Edberg says this was his last nationals and he was happy with his performance.
Edberg and Doyon train at the Campbell River Shito Ryu club coached by Sensei Roy Tippenhauer. Campbell River Shito Ryu has had members compete at the national level every year since 1993 except one, winning numerous medals during this time. Beginners Classes are available through the Campbell River Recreation association or Sportsplex and are held at the clubs dedicated martial arts club on 9th Avenue.