Ode to Natalie: The cost of living the dream

Most of us in the Judo community understand that it takes a great amount of sacrifice to be able to compete at the international level.  And it goes without saying that most American players get little or no financial support from USA Judo.  I have personal experience with the money end of Judo because my oldest daughter Valerie has been to two Olympics.  I raised the majority of the funds the first time around, and thankfully we had a sponsor the second time around.

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2011 Senior National Championships

I just returned from Orlando, Florida, where USA Judo held its Senior and Masters National Championships.  Even though a Europe-based player of mine paid my way, and my daughter was competing, I was very reluctant to go.  Traveling by air is no longer fun.  After you have survived the inconveniences of travel and the stupidity of TSA, you then have to put up with the latest round of machinations from USA Judo and the referees.

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