By Jesse McGowan

Koen and Tami Goto Europe

Mar 14, 2019 | 7:07 PM

This time a year ago, Prince George Judo Club’s Tami Goto, along with her friend and teammate Sydney Edgson, were embarking on their first international judo trip, for a tournament in London. Now, Goto is a year stronger and more skilled and is taking off with Judo Canada this week, with a new companion along for his first international experience. Goto is on her way to Portugal then Germany, where the Hart Judo Academy’s Koen Heitman will join her.

Goto’s season has been headlined by a second place at Canada’s Elite Eight; while Heitman finished fifth there and went on to win the U21 Youth Championship at just 16. They’re now both ready to face competitors from around the world.

While Heitman doesn’t leave for Germany until next Wednesday, some other Hart Judo athletes are on the move this week. Lochlan Young, Gabe Paterson, and Brooke Corbett are headed to Japan on Monday with Judo BC to attend an international judo camp.