To say Jeff Allen had a month to remember is an understatement. To say that he had a month he’ll never forget may be closer to the mark. In fact, when looking at the competition and gruelling schedule endured by Huntsville’s most decorated judoka over the past four weeks, you have to admit – it’s been the type of month that few fighters can even dream of.
The incredible run began with Allen bringing home a silver medal in the Masters’ +100KG division at the Quebec International Open held in Montreal in early November. Not one to pause for rest, Huntsville’s ‘judo dad’ followed up his performance with a gold medal in the Masters division and bronze in the Seniors division at the Ontario International Open a mere six days later. But despite winning seven of eight fights that weekend, and having to find more room in a rapidly expanding trophy case, Allen wasn’t done. He was just getting started.
Setting his sights on judo’s biggest prize, winning a medal while representing Canada on the international stage, Allen travelled to Fort Lauderdale for the World Judo Championships two weeks later. It was the second time in the past two years he had been invited to the tournament, and after placing eighth in the event last year Allen felt like he had something to prove.
It wouldn’t come easy for the big man. In his first match, after so much had been going right for him in the weeks leading up to the event, Allen’s medal hopes were nearly dashed as he squared off against a familiar foe. His opponent was France’s Xavier Fievet, the former champion who had eliminated Allen from the World Championships held in Amsterdam last year.
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight, he’s a huge man, around 6’5” and 360 pounds,” said Allen. “He was tough to deal with. I definitely gave him the longest fight of the day, which felt good to go longer than anyone else did.”
For the second straight year, and despite a marked improvement in the 12 months since their last fight, Allen would fall to the French national, who would himself go on win gold. With a record of 0-1, the best finish Allen could hope for would be the bronze, and would require him to go undefeated for the remainder of the tournament.
And so he went to work.
“When I lost my first fight I wasn’t too discouraged. I knew that guy was going to go on to probably win gold anyways, he’s a very high level fighter and trains with the Olympic heavyweight champion.”
In the repechage, or consolation bracket, Allen’s next bout came against Ukrainian Olekshander Kleshnia, who he dispatched by ippon (one full point). This set up a bronze medal match with Spain’s Luis Angel Canovas Ugarte, one of the biggest fighters in the entire tournament. It was a tightly contested affair, but once again Allen was able to come out on top, securing the victory and claiming his biggest piece of judo hardware yet.
“I was pretty confident going in,” he recalls. “I was more determined than anything, determined to get a medal, that’s what I was hungry for and I wanted it really badly. I was going to go out there and fight my hardest and it took everything I had to beat the guy.”
While Allen’s technique, conditioning and mental toughness certainly contributed to his victory, he also had a secret weapon with him in Florida. Just a few rows back from the mat where he was fighting was Jeff’s wife, Crystal, and his son Lucas, cheering him on louder than anyone.
“The support from my family, they push me to do better, and I’ve never been to a tournament without them. They’re there getting up at 6:00 in the morning, travelling crazy distances to watch me compete, and are a huge part of my success. After I won, my son ran to the edge of the mat and gave me a big hug, and my wife was so proud and happy. Having them on the mat with me, and getting pictures with the Canadian flag, that was awesome.”
There will be no rest from Allen, who was back at the Huntsville Judo Club just a few days after returning from Florida, as he gears up for Canada’s Elite Eight event to be held after the Christmas break in Montreal, a tournament showcasing the best Canadian fighters in each weight class.
“At the world championships, to win a medal, that’s my best accomplishment so far. To represent Canada, and to be able to hold the flag up and bring a medal home is great. But now I want to get gold. I fought really well, but one fight – one throw – cost me first place. Now I want it even more now that I’ve won the bronze.”
At 6:23.00 is Jeff’s bronze medal qualification fight against Oleksandr Kleshnia from Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APVEsihy8XY
At 7:30.00 is Jeff’s bronze medal fight against Ugarte Canovas of Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ulB5crbqYc
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