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Grappling for Games gold

July 15, 2014, 8:29 am Edit
Amy Meyer (right) is on her way to the Commonwealth Games.
Amy Meyer (right) is on her way to the Commonwealth Games.

THERE is much more to 22-year-old Amy Meyer than meets the eye. The former Emanuel School student, while small in stature, boasts ferocious ability in the martial art of judo.

In fact, Meyer’s hard-hitting talent for the Japanese combat sport will take her to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month.

“It’s a dream to be selected in the Australian team and have the chance to represent Australia,” Meyer said.

“I hope it will be the stepping stone to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.”

Competing in the under-48kg category, the judo champ is currently ranked second in the country, but Meyer admits there have been obstacles along the way.

“I have been training and competing in judo since I was seven so it’s been a long road,” she said.

“The lead up to Glasgow has been really hard – juggling university, work and training means there’s not much time for anything else.

“A couple of weeks before competition, I really have to watch my weight.”

Despite the pressures, Meyer managed to graduate from Sydney University last year, with a degree in exercise sport science.

“I’ve put my career on hold to pursue this dream. I have been able to make judo my number one priority this year,” she said.

Meyer took home bronze at this year’s Oceania Championship and says winning a medal in Glasgow is her ultimate goal.

The Australian team heads to Canberra this week and then to Spain and England for training camp. The Games start on July 23, with Meyer’sopening bout scheduled for day one of competition.

REBECCA KOERBER

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