He began the sport accidentally at age 7 and older brother and sister soon followed
ARPON BASU, FreelancePublished: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
When you're the youngest of three children, the sport you will eventually play is often decided for you by your older siblings.
But when Eric Gauthier was a 7-year-old grade-schooler, a decision he made spawned a passion for judo throughout his family.
Gauthier had to choose an activity in an after-school program that year, but by the time he presented himself to register, there weren't that many options available.
"It came down to a choice between judo and joining the choir," the Kirkland native said. "I chose judo. It was a pretty easy decision."
Gauthier took to the sport to such an extent that he quickly made his way to coach Louise Rochon's Club Jukitae in Lachine, and it wasn't long before his older brother Sebastien and sister Valerie followed.
Today, nine years later, the Gauthier siblings are all high-level judokas, but once again, Eric is leading the way.
A little over a month ago, Gauthier, 16, became the first member of his family to win a Canadian title when he took the gold medal in the juvenile boys' 81-kg-and-over category at the junior and juvenile national championships in Lethbridge, Alta.
Aside from winning bragging rights at home, the accomplishment was notable, considering Gauthier only began competing seriously four years ago.
"I never would have thought I would get this far this fast," Gauthier said. "I always wanted to get as far as I could in the sport, win the national title and, maybe one day, go to the Olympics.
"But I never thought it would come this quickly."
In fact, his sudden rise to national prominence did not begin at this lightning pace. Gauthier says his first regional competitions at age 12 were difficult because he was lacking experience and needed to learn the little tricks used by high-level judokas.
It was only last year that Gauthier competed at the provincial level for the first time, and he came home with a silver medal around his neck.
"That was one of my first major competitions, so winning silver made me really happy," Gauthier said. "It made me want to reach even higher."
Gauthier's performance earned him a trip to last year's nationals in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., but a heavy case of nerves and an injury led to a loss in his first bout.
After a lot of encouragement from his mother, however, Gauthier recovered to win his next three bouts and claim the bronze medal.
At this year's nationals, Gauthier was the only returning medallist in his weight class and he lived up to the billing, winning three straight bouts to claim the gold.
Next year, Gauthier jumps up to the junior class, where he hopes to claim the national title within two years. He will also be working on getting his black belt, which he also hopes to do within two years.
In the meantime, he can enjoy being the lone national champion in his accomplished family.
The Amateur Athlete of the Week is featured on television on Global News on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on our website at www.montrealgazette.com.FONTE: Montreal Gazette (subscription) - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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