George Town Judo Club and Ginkan Judo School sent a team of four juniors to Bridgewater and returned with five gold medals and a silver in the state’s last tournament before the national championships.

The oldest of the four, 12-year-old Paulo Moore, won gold in the senior boys’ under-50kgs and under-55kgs, while 10-year-old Loki Myatt won the junior boys’ under-38kgs division.

Nine-year-old duo Kobi Barrenger and Brady Hudson won the junior boys’ under-44kgs division and the under-34kgs gold and under-38kgs silver respectively. 

“These kids for their age they’re so dedicated and train so hard - most of them are training three nights a week,” club spokeswoman Lynda Myatt said.

“They do two nights in George Town and then travel to Rowella for the third night with Ginkan.

“It’s really nice to see at such a young their dedication paying off for them.”

The weekend was only Hudson’s second competitive outing, while Myatt was competing in his third state titles.

The pair were joined by Moore in competing above their respective weight divisions, where all three held themselves with distinction.

“Often the boys once they get to the top end of their category, before the year comes round and they go up they’ll start testing themselves fighting up so they’re ready for it.

“We’re just super proud, for a little town it’s producing some great athletes.

“We’ve got four coaches in George Town and one over at Rowella, without those coaches - and it’s all voluntary - they just wouldn’t be where they are.”

Barrenger, Myatt and Moore will continue training with the state team before heading to the Gold Coast’s national championships in June.

Nominations for The Examiner-IGA Tasmania Junior Sports Awards are now open.

To make a nomination click here.