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As one of the smallest competitors in his division, Huntsville’s Jeff Allen fought doubly hard to make it into the bronze medal round at the International Judo Federation (IJF) Veterans World Championships, a competition for judoka aged 30 years or older.
“I had a great day of fights,” said Allen after returning from the event, held October 17-20 in Cancun, Mexico. He competed in the M1 +100 kg division (220 lbs. and up) and said that many of his competitors exceeded 300 lbs. Gregory Allen Prior of the U.S., Allen’s opponent in the bronze medal round, was one of them.
After back and forth fighting, Allen had almost bested Prior, who had two penalties and could hardly make it to his feet at the end of the consolation time. The Canada versus U.S. match was then extended into a golden score contest to determine the winner.
“I attacked with a throw and he attempted to counteract and we both went to the mat where he was awarded the final winning point,” said Allen. “I am very disappointed to go that far and lose to a controversial call.”
With an eventual tie for third place awarded to Prior and Guillaume Crainich from France, Allen left the IJF World Veterans Championships with a 5th place finish for Canada and is very proud. With his head held high, he is already planning his training for the Judo Open Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta in May 2019.
In the meantime, he’ll be back competing in Montreal at the Quebec Open from November 3-4 and again from November 10-11 at the Ontario Open in Toronto.
Allen appreciates everyone who has encouraged him. “Thank you to everyone for supporting me and helping me achieve my highest goals.”
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