Quebec's Alexandre Émond highlighted an impressive Canadian medal haul on Friday earning silver at the judo Pan American championships in Guadalajara, Mexico. Canada also won three bronze.
In men's 90 kilos, Émond opened with victories by Ippon over Aaron Cohen of the U.S., and Rodrigo Luna of Brazil. In the semi-final, he defeated Isao Cardenas by Ippon. He lost by Yuko to Asley Gonzalez of Cuba in the final.
Four other podiums
In 81 kilos, Antoine Valois-Fortier of Quebec lost his opening bout to Emmanuel Lucenti of Argentina, the eventual champion, but bounced back to defeat Pedro Andrey Castro of Colombia, Merwin Rodriguez of Venezuela and Osmay Cruz of Cuba for the bronze.
In women's 63 kilos, Myriam Lamarche of New Brunswick lost her first bout against Yaritza Abel of Cuba but kept her medal hopes alive defeating Karina Orrellana of Chile in the repechage and Karina Acosta of Mexico. In the third place match she took Jessica Garcia of Puerto Rico by two Waza-ari for the bronze.
In women's 70 kilos, Kelita Zupancic of Ontario opened her tournament beating Lisbeth Leon of Mexico before falling to Maria Portela of Brazil, the eventual silver medallist. In the repechage Zupancic defeated Vanessa Fernanda Chala of Ecuador. In the bronze medal bout, the Canadian prevailed over Kathleen Sell of the U.S., by Ippon.
In 78 kilos, Marylise Lévesque of Quebec opened with victories over Lorena Briceno of Argentina and Mirla Noberto of Guatemala. In the semifinal, Lévesque lost to Mayra Aguiar of Brazil and lost to Anny Lorena Cortez of Colombia to finish fifth.
Erin Vanebles of Alberta lost her two bouts in 78 kilos and over. The first was against Idalis Ortiz of Cuba and the second against Nina Cutro-Kelly of the U.S. In men's 100 kilos, Stefan Zwiers of B.C., lost his opener to Diego Ochoa of El Salvador.
Canadians in action on Saturday are Youssef Youssef (55 kilos), Frazer Will (60 kilos), Michal Popiel (66 kilos) and Nicholas Tritton (73 kilos) for the men. For the women, Bianca Ockedahl (48 kilos), Laurie Wiltshire (52 kilos) and Joliane Melançon (57 kilos).