Neighbor News
Silver Streak at Cadet & Jr Pan Am Judo Championships
4 Athletes from Cohen Brothers Judo in Vernon Hills took home 5 Silver medals from Pan American Judo Championships
Lima, Peru - Four athletes from Cohen Brothers Judo Club in Vernon Hills, IL are ranked #1 in the country and were able to represent the United States at the Cadet (-18) and Junior (-21) Pan American Championships
Harlee Hiller of Evanston, Illinois was ranked #1 in the Cadet and the Junior age category. Harlee came home with 2 silver medals fighting extremely well. Harlee is now ranked top 5 in the World and will look to bring home some more hardware in a top tournament in Portugal this month. Harlee will aim to make the top of the podium of the World Championships in August in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Aiden Cohen or Deerfield, Illinois made his 3rd Pan American debut. Taking a Silver in the -15 in 2019 and a Bronze in Cadets in 2020. Aiden reached the finals losing a close match to a strong athlete from Brazil. Aiden is coming off a strong finish in Wrestling where he took 5th Place in IHSA 2A State for Deerfield High School and helped his team reach the finals of Dual Team State becoming Runner ups for the first time in School History. Aiden is also looking to medal in Portugal and the Cadet World Championships.
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Danielle Pekler of Buffalo Grove, Illinois competed in her first Pan American Championships ever. Even though she didn't qualify for the Cadet age group she rebounded and made the team in the Junior age division by making the finals in our Youth Nationals. Danielle showed her true strength fighting up in age and still making the finals losing to Brazil in a very close match. This was a great eye opener for Danielle to keep her focus and show she can compete internationally at each level.
Alex Knauf of Yorkville, Illinois is the returning Pan American Champion. Alex is ranked top 3 in the World and continue to show he is a threat on all levels. He is continuing to develop and get stronger every competition. Alex got caught in the finals sending him home with silver. Alex has an action pack summer training and traveling the world, looking to make teams on senior circuit as well to help focus and achieve his goals of making the Olympic Games. We are focusing on getting Alex to the top of the podium at the Jr World Championships in Ecuador this August.
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All athletes are set to fight in the Senior National Championships May 20th in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Please help, share and support our athletes dream to become Olympic Athletes. All donations are tax deductible. All money will go towards athletes travel across the world to compete for their country USA.
Cohen Brothers Training Center & Elite Training Center NFP
