Tara Murray
Kingsville’s Katharina Häecker and Maribyrnong’s Tinka Easton have been named as part of the Australian judo team for the Commonwealth Games.
The two were named as part of the 12 person squad along with Aofie Coughlan and Liam Park who train out of the Resilience Training Centre in Footscray.
Häecker will make history as one of two Australian judokas to compete at two Commonwealth Games.
The 29-year-old, who was born in Germany, finished fourth in the women’s 63kg category at the 2014 Games. She moved to Melbourne permanently last year to further her preparation for the games.
“It is incredible to be heading to my second Commonwealth Games,” Häecker said.
“I’m proud of my German and Australian heritage, but Australia believed in me and gave me the chance to become the athlete that I am today.
“I’m extremely grateful for that and wouldn’t want to represent any other country.”
“Judo has grown so much in Australia since the Glasgow 2014 Games, and I am excited to be a part of this excellent team who are going to Birmingham.
Easton, who is originally from New South Wales’ south coast will compete at her first games in the women’s 52kg event.
She is part of the strong team at the Resilience Training Centre along with Coughlan and Park.
Coughlan, who lives in Reservoir, will compete in the women’s 70kg event. She competed at last year’s Olympics.
Her brother Eoin competed at the 2016 Olympics, while her younger sister, Maeve, who is also part of the national team, was unavailable for Games selection due to injury.
While 26-year-old Park, who lives in Ascot Vale, will compete in the men’s over 100kg event.
Judo Australia chief executive Emma Taylor said she knows they will compete with pride and passion in Birmingham.
“Congratulations to our judo athletes selected to represent Australia at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games,” Taylor said.
“These athletes embody the values of our sport and they carry the Australian flag with pride.
“Their commitment to the sport, their clubs and coaches is recognised in this selection and we know they will make us proud.”
