Judo Olympian to visit Johnstown club in drive to attract more female members

Ever thought of taking up judo? Ever thought of what's involved in making it to the top in the sport?

If you have mused on such questions is an opportunity to find out more about the sport, or maybe improve your skills, when judo Olympican Megan Fletcher visits the Yoroi Judo Club in Johnstown, Navan on Saturday 20th November and Sunday 21st November, 11am to 5pm both days.

Her visit to Johnstown is supported by Sport Ireland Women in Sport and is aimed at women and girls who are involved in the sport and wish to learn mor or perhaps are thinking of becoming involved in the sport.

"We will be giving an opportunity to people to meet Megan and get a signed photo of her. She will be available at 2pm on Saturday 20th November at the venue. Covid precautions will be in place," explained Antoinette Earl, chairperson WIS Commission/Irish Judo Association.

"Yoroi judo club, for children and adults is based in Feel Fit Gym in the Johnstown Shopping Centre and is an excellent venue for us to host Megan."

"She is being hosted by Anderson Marcelino, Head Coach at Yoroi Judo Club. Megan, was ranked 5th in the world last July, is a wonderful role model for girls and women in the martial arts. She will be coaching her favourite techniques, throws and mat work and talking about her life in judo."

Fletcher represented Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics last year where she suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the dying seconds of her opening Olympic judo match.

Fletcher, who was ranked 20th in the world, had gone into her round-of-32 contest in the women’s 70kg category optimistic of defeating Austria’s Michaela Polleres, who was ranked number eight in the world.

Fletcher appeared to have victory within her grasp entering the final seconds before Polleres landed a waza-ari move to secure victory with just three seconds remaining.

Born in Reading in 1989 Fletcher previously represented England and Great Britain judo at the international level before competing for the Republic of Ireland. She won a gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the 70kg category.

Her brother Ben also qualified for the Tokyo Olympics ensuring he and Megan were the first brother, sister combination to represent Ireland in judo, the national sport of Japan.

Now those who are interested in learning more about the sport have a chance to meet her and see her perform in Johnstown.