Community | October 07, 2008 | 0 comments

Sumo schoolgirl hopes for glory at world championships

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JanaPokana
A 14-year-old schoolgirl who weighs 20st is aiming for glory at the Sumo world championships.

Samantha-Jane Stacey, is Australia's strongest medal hope at the world championships in Estonia next month. She began Sumo training two years ago after previous experience of wrestling and will compete in the junior women's heavyweight division.

A diet of Weetabix and lasagne is credited with helping her maintain the sturdy frame required for the sport. However she dismissed suggestions that Sumo is all about bulk. "I love it because it's a physical, body-contact sport but you've also got to use your brain and have mental tactics." she said. "It's a perfect sport for girls because you have to think on your feet." She added; "I am so proud to represent my country and I want to keep doing it."

Katrina Watts, president of the Australian Sumo Federation, told goldcoast.com in Australia: "The sport has great appeal because it's full body contact but you don't punish your opponent. Instead you need balance, flexibility and body strength and that has attracted new converts from judo, wrestling and gymnastics."
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