Judo Western Australia is proud to congratulate the outstanding WA athletes who have been selected for Judo Australia’s 2025 Development Squads. These squads form the first step on the National High Performance Pathway, offering identified talent the opportunity to develop their skills and compete on national and international stages.
The selections mark a significant achievement for our athletes and are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support of their coaches, training partners, and families. The athletes will now embark on a critical phase of their judo journeys, with an eye towards future Olympic Games, including Brisbane 2032.
WA Athletes Selected:
Cadet Development Squad:
- Thalia Armstrong – Australian Institute of Judo
- Kaian Kelly – University of Western Australia Judo Club
Junior Development Squad:
- Estela Hogarth – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Oren Kelly – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Vas Middleton – Judo International
- Keishin Ochi – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Maelie Tournier – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Timeo Tournier – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Kohsei Toyoshima – University of Western Australia Judo Club
Under 23 Development Squad:
- Jordon Greenbank – University of Western Australia Judo Club
- Saya Middleton – Judo InternationalAbout the Development Squads
The Development Squads are the foundation of Judo Australia’s National High Performance Pathway, designed to prepare athletes for international success. The program provides additional coaching, training opportunities, and a competition calendar to develop young Australian judoka into world-class competitors.
Cadet Development Squad
The Cadet Development Squad focuses on athletes under 18, laying the groundwork for future international competition. As we look towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the squad is a vital platform to nurture emerging talent. Athletes benefit from competition opportunities, national training camps, and a structured calendar of events.
Junior Development Squad
The Junior Development Squad builds on the foundations set at the cadet level, targeting athletes under 21. With Brisbane 2032 now less than nine years away and the LA 2028 Olympics even closer, the Junior Squad aims to develop athletes for sustained international success. The program emphasizes progression through handpicked events and attendance at National Training Camps.
Under 23 Development Squad
The Under 23 Development Squad bridges the transition from junior to senior competition. As part of the pathway to Brisbane 2032, this squad ensures identified athletes continue to build their technical, tactical, and physical development.
The High Performance Pathway
The National Judo High Performance program was introduced in January 2021 as a shared model between Judo Australia and its partner, the Combat Institute of Australia (CombatAUS). The pathway focuses on the following areas:
- Technical and Tactical Development
- Physical Development
- Performance Psychology and Professional Behaviours
- Optimal Training Environments
The pathway spans multiple levels of development, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent to Podium Ready and ultimately Podium Performers at the international level.
What’s Next?
Selected athletes will now participate in a busy High Performance Calendar, featuring training camps, competitions, and development opportunities. These activities are supported through funding from the AIS Performance Pathway Strategic Investment Grant and contributions from athlete families.
Congratulations once again to our WA athletes. Their selection not only highlights their individual commitment but also showcases the strength of Western Australia’s judo community. We look forward to following their progress over the next 12 months and beyond.
For more information on Judo Australia’s Development Squads and the High Performance Pathway, visit ausjudo.com.au.
