Montreal, April 6, 2009 - Judo Canada is pleased to announced that Marie-Hélène Chisholm of Port-Cartier, Que., has been named the women`s national team coach.  Chisholm joins head coach Nicolas Gill and men's national team coach Sergio Pessoa Sr., on the Judo Canada coaching staff.

 

A program restructuring allowed Judo Canada to create the position.  ‘’We have a lot of work to do and having three coaches isn’t too many,’’ said Gill.

 

Chisholm looks to revitalize the women’s program which has struggled the last few years.  ‘’Marie-Hélène knows the program,’’ said Gill.  ‘’She’s a great addition to the coaching staff and she bring a new dimension.  This is very important for us.  Marie-Hélène is very motivated and wants to be as successful as a coach, as she was as an athlete.  She’s willing to learn and that’s a great quality for a coach.’’

 

‘’I’m happy and I’m ready,’’ said Chisholm.  ‘’I think I will bring a feminine style to the group.  Women have a different approach and I think I will get along with the athletes.  I also have a lot of experience in women’s judo. ‘’

 

Chisholm placed fifth at the 2004 Olympics but was unable to qualify for the Beijing Games due to injury.  She soon retired.

 

 ‘’My challenge will be to improve the women’s team spirit, that’s the secret to success,’’ said Chisholm.

Isabelle Pearson was named Judo Canada’s first full-time physiotherapist.  ‘’There are many injuries in judo,’’ said Gill.  ‘’Our objective with a certified physio is gain consistency in training and competition.  Isabelle’s presence in training will help improve communications.’’

 

Pearson, a bronze medallist in judo at the 2003 Pan Am Games, will travel to all national team assignments.

 

Adrien Landry is Judo Canada’s executive director and Andrzej Sadej is the association’s development director.