It's a nice view from the top but judoka Quinn Clemas doesn't want to get too comfortable.
"It's a little more secure than fighting for a position," said the Prince George Judo Club member about being ranked first overall in the province in the men's under-21, minus-81 kilogram division with one selection camp remaining before Team B.C. picks its team for the national championship in July.
"But I still want to be competitive to show everyone that I deserve to be on the team. I don't want to feel like I'm scrambling."
The 18-year-old placed first in the U21 -81 kg last weekend during the Judo B.C. youth championship, held until Sunday at PGSS, and was second in the -90 kg division.
Clemas began judo when he was about seven and has represented B.C. at various national events since 2007.
Team B.C. coach Bruce Kamstra said Clemas has proven at the top of the province and it's now about succeeding on the national stage.
"He's always good for a couple of wins at nationals but now he has to take the next step to get on the podium," said Kamstra. "He's improving, hopefully he's going to improve enough, that's the trick."
Clemas, who is working on obtaining his National Coaching Certification Program class 1 certificate to become a dojo assistant, said he knows what he needs to do to achieve his coach's goal.
"I just have to train more, push a little harder and put more dedication into my sport," said Clemas. "Train with as many people as I can as often as I can."
He said judo helps him in other areas of his life like school and dealing with stressful situations.
"It adds confidence," said Clemas, a first degree black belt. "I don't feel conquered by anything. I can push the limits with anything I want. If you have anything on your mind it gets you away from it and gets you to focus and push for whatever you want to reach your goals."
In addition to Clemas there were 140 competitors at the youth judo event last weekend, including members from all three Prince George clubs PGJC, the Hart Judo Academy and the North Capital Judo Club.
Judokas from the PGJC earned four gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals, while competitors from the Hart took two gold, nine silver and six bronze. North Capital picked up four gold medals.
