Victory Leads To New Belt In Edmonton
By Robert Thomas
If you met 11 year old Payton Pinel in everyday life the best way to describe her is “timid” her judo coach Jeff Nelson from Control said.
But once Pinel is in competition she is almost anything other than timid Nelson said.
Not bad for someone in only their second year of judo.
At the recent Western Canadian Judo Champions Pinel would go up against girls one age division older (12 and 13 year olds) but the same weight class.
Despite the seemingly unattainable hurdle to medal Pinel would surprisingly ended up winning gold in the upgraded division.
Payton Pinel - submitted photo
“I did not expect her to win,” he said.
The highly competitive Edmonton tournament was not just a win for Pinel but a means for her, an 11 year old, to receive her green belt.
Given the intense competition in Edmonton Nelson has an arrangement that if any student can win a gold medal at the Western Canadian championships that they will automatically be moved up a belt.
A feat Pinel managed to achieve in Edmonton.
Winning at a major event such as Edmonton is one way of moving up in belts the other route is by answering tests and reaching standards set out by Judo Canada.
But Pinel’s green belt is different due to Pinel being 11 and the Edmonton gold medal.
“It’s something I’ve never seen before in the 30 years I’ve been involved with the sport,” Nelson said.
“It’s a pretty big thing to me.”
Although none of his other students won gold medals in Edmonton Nelson said the emphasis is to encourage athletes to always do their best.
Jeff Nelson and Payton Pinel - submitted photo
Recently Pinel held a highly respectable 60 wins and 3 loss record since she started judo.
“For me it’s exciting. I like to see people succeed,”Nelson said.
He said he doesn’t see himself as teaching his students judo but rather how to succeed.
“Judo’s culture is based upon humility I try to teach them how to win.”
“I want to teach them success, to get better and be winners at life,” Nelson said.
As far as Payton Pinel goes her coach, Nelson, describes her as “a ferocious little competitor.”
The medal presentation in Edmonton - submitted photo
Payton Pinel’s parents - Joel and Jessica - say how proud they are about the daughter on Facebook.
“Incredibly proud of this kid! Joel and I are always excited to share her wins, but this accomplishment deserves special recognition. The hours she dedicates to achieving success and the drive she has to be the best version of herself are all hers. It’s hard to believe this is only her second year in Judo,” Jessica writes on Facebook.