EAGLEHAWK’S Shayann Stuart will again put her strength and judo nous to the test in this Friday’s bouts at the Oceania World Cup in Samoa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It will be the fourth time Shayann has competed at the titles.
Many hours have been spent working on holds, throws and grapples, as well as plenty of running to prepare for fights in the senior lightweight under 52kg class.
Most of the training is done in Eaglehawk where her dad, Steve, is sensei (instructor).
Shayann and her boyfriend, Kim Jolly, who is also a judo ace, have worked extremely hard in recent months to prepare for the Cup.
A week-long training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra was a key factor in developing and learning various techniques to use in Samoa.
A highlight of Shayann’s playing career, which began when she was five, was third placing at the Oceania World Cup two years ago.
“Last year was a really tough tournament,” Shayann said.
“A lot of the Olympic contenders were there, but I learnt a lot.”
A childcare worker at Jenny’s Kinder and for Bendigo Regional YMCA, Shayann Stuart leaves for Samoa today, with Friday’s competition to be followed by a week-long training camp.
The 21-year-old will be vying for a ninth state title at next month’s competition in Keysborough.