Noran Elmahroukey
Noran Elmahroukey is a 12-year old American-Egyptian judoka currently living in New Jersey and competing in the 38 kg weight category. She trains at the Cranford Judo and Karate Center where she started at the age of seven.
Noran is a purple belt under the guidance of two-time U.S. Olympic Judo team coach and three-time U.S. World Judo Championship team coach, Sensei Yosshisada Yonezuka.
Once she entered Cranford Judo Center, she knew judo was her calling; she didn't stop crying until she was on the mat wearing a Gi next to Sensei Yonezuka. Noran immediately started participating in local and national tournaments with great results as proven by her success as a 4-time New Jersey State champion since 2010.
"A young Judoka like Noran, who has such a strong desire to succeed and to work hard makes my job as a Judo instructor better than any other job I can think of. If Noran continues working as hard as she is now, I am sure she will become a great judo champion." said Sensei Yonezuka.
2014 has been a challenging year for this young athlete as she, for her first time and after winning first place in almost all her local tournaments, came home without a medal. She recalls her sensei's words of wisdom in finding the positive out of losing and turning it into the medicine needed to bounce back and accomplish greatness. He was right; just two days later, she won bronze at the 2014 USJF in Hawaii.
Regardless of whether a person is an adult or a child, an individual with the desire to do well can accomplish great things. From the beginning it was clear that she was different from other girls her age. I could see it in her determination and willingness to work hard; she wanted to improve and she pushed herself to her physical limits.
"I sometimes have to stop her and instruct her to take a rest, which is very unusual for kids her age" said Sensei Yonezuka.
Noran's personal goal is to stand on the Olympic stage representing USA Judo with Sensei Yonezuka and family by her side. Some other accomplishments include:
- Gold medal in Am-Can tournament
- Gold medal in 2014 U.S. Open
Noran believes that to be a champion you need determination, a great coach, and a supportive family. She is grateful that she has all of them!