Winter Training Camp Brings Together Top U.S. and Pan American Athletes

The 2024 USA Judo Winter National Training Camp wrapped up a successful three days of activity in Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 22. The annual camp brings together top athletes, with the younger generation of judoka having the opportunity to train alongside and learn from top senior athletes and Olympians. Training sessions took place at the United States Performance Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, home to the USA Judo National Resident Team Program.

“I believe this National Training Camp in Charlotte was the best to date,” said camp instructor and two-time Olympian Colton Brown. “We had the majority of our country's best cadet, junior, and senior athletes all on the mats working together towards a common goal. It was an honor to lead this camp alongside Olympic Medalists Marti Malloy, and Israel Hernandez. I truly believe that LA 2028 looks bright if we can continue providing these training opportunities to our top athletes and coaches.”

In addition to top cadet, junior and senior athletes taking part, two Paris 2024 Olympians, Angelica Delgado and Maria Laborde, were also in attendance.

"Returning to the Resident Training Center in North Carolina is always an end-of-the-year treat,” added Malloy. “Watching the athletes grow and improve year over year is exciting and I am so glad that we have hit a rhythm of connecting top-level coaches with rising stars from around the country. The camaraderie is nice to see and the motivation toward a shared goal is always a good way to bring good energy before the holiday break. I cannot wait to see what USA Judo athletes accomplish in the years to come."

Participants from Canada, Panama, Ecuador and Peru were among the more than 100 athletes and coaches in attendance.