Nambour’s Maya leads medal haul at state Judo titles

With 2300 days until the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the young athletes at Maroochy Judo Club are working hard in pursuit of success at the highest levels.

That effort paid off this weekend when the club won five gold medals and one silver at the Queensland State Judo Championships.

Nambour’s Maya Sandberg, 13, stood out with victories in two categories — under 15 and cadets.

Maroochy Judo now has five young athletes preparing grant applications to help them compete at the Australian Judo Championships in June.

Maya will also compete in wrestling at the Queensland State Championships at the end of April.

The club is encouraging families to consider judo for children interested in aiming high in sport, or simply enjoying the journey of competitive martial arts.

With the Brisbane Olympics drawing closer, the message is clear: Sunshine Coast children have a rare opportunity to set their sights on a home Games.