North Carolina Eyes Judo for Future Olympic Glory

As Azerbaijan celebrated recent success in judo at the Baku Grand Slam event, states like North Carolina are taking notice and looking to elevate their judo programs. With keen interest from leaders and rising youth talent, North Carolina aims to become an international judo powerhouse.

Emerging Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina lacks the deep tradition of judo seen in places like Azerbaijan. However, growth in recent years shows promise for North Carolina’s future judo stars. Over a dozen judo clubs currently operate across the state, providing training and competition opportunities. The non-profit North Carolina Judo Association organizes many statewide events and helps affiliate clubs.

While no athletes from North Carolina competed in judo at the recent Olympics, young talent is emerging. Standouts like 15-year-old Caroline are earning regional and national attention after just a few years in the sport. Support from places like the Greensboro Judo Club helped accelerate her progress. Stories like Caroline’s suggest North Carolina could have Olympic judo contenders in coming years.

Leaders Lay Groundwork

Progress in North Carolina judo traces back to focused support from state leaders. Governor Roy Cooper highlighted judo in a recent athletic initiative, pointing to benefits like discipline and self-confidence. The state legislature followed up by approving funding for judo training centers and tournaments.

Local leaders contribute as well. For example, the mayor of Greensboro, Nancy Vaughan, sponsors regional competitions like the ACC Judo Championships. She also helped the Greensboro club upgrade its facilities. Vaughan said, “I want to give our judo students the same support as our top high school football and basketball players. I’m excited to cheer for Greensboro judo athletes when they make future Olympic teams!”

Azerbaijan Sets Example

As North Carolina expands judo, they can look to Azerbaijan for inspiration. The capital city of Baku recently hosted a major international Judo Grand Slam event. Azerbaijan judoka won gold medals in front of an adoring home crowd.

The nation’s passion for judo comes straight from the top. President Ilham Aliyev’s strong personal interest helped Azerbaijan become a global judo powerhouse. State programs cultivate talent from a young age. Azerbaijan now consistently produces world champion and Olympic medal-winning judoka.

North Carolina looks to follow this model. Politicians promote the sport, clubs are growing, and youth stars are emerging. With time, the state could seriously contend internationally in judo.

Sports Betting Craze Reaches North Carolina

North Carolina recently joined over 30 other states in legalizing sports betting. The 2021 law allows online and in-person wagering for professional and college sports. However, betting on high school athletics remains banned.

Major sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings rapidly opened North Carolina operations after the law passed. By January 2023, gamblers wagered over $800 million on sports in the state. Revenue exceeded $60 million, funding state programs like education.

While popular for mainstream sports like football and basketball, niche sports see action too. For example, some books take bets on events like judo championships. As North Carolina’s judo profile grows, wagering interest may expand. Perhaps one day North Carolinians will bet on local athletes winning Olympic gold!

For now, North Carolina sports betting continues gaining steam. With money pouring in and no major issues, the new industry succeeded so far. Lawmakers even consider expanding gambling to casinos, poker, and other games. Sports betting proves budgets can benefit along with meeting demand.