Athlete of the Month

Lydia Au

Olympic Judo

Today’s urban youth often take a passive interest in activities, drifting from one activity to the next, if they choose to get involved at all.  Lydia Au, on the other hand, has dedicated herself to judo since the age of 8 and has no plans of leaving the sport anytime soon.

Like many kids first starting out in sports, Lydia didn’t exactly know where sports would take her, or even what that sport would be.  After unsuccessfully searching for a Chinese Martial Arts club in Chicago, Lydia decided to get involved in judo and began competing when she was 9 years old. A self-described uncompetitive, laid-back person, judo taught Lydia how to deal with mental and physical stress and how to focus.  In a few short years, Lydia began competing nationally, winning her first national championship in 2004 and earned a spot on the Pan American Championship team.  She continued to excel in the sport, winning the bronze medal at the Pan American Championships in 2006 and 2008, traveling on numerous international teams and winning an additional four national championships, the most recent being the 2010 USJF/USJA Junior National Judo Championships this July.  Despite this impressive resume, Lydia’s not done yet – she is currently training for the Junior Olympics later this summer and hopes to be a member of the 2016 Olympic Team.

Despite her busy training and competition schedule, Lydia still finds ways to give back and get involved in her community.  When she’s not competing, Lydia serves as a judo referee (and hopes to one day referee in the Olympics), teaches judo to her able-bodied anddisabled peers at Walter Payton High School and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities, in addition to her rigorous academic schedule.  Due to her commitment to athletics, academics and the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect, Lydia was also selected as a World Sport Chicago Scholar this year and will continue to give back to the community by volunteering at World Sport Chicago events and giving presentations to younger Chicagoans on the importance of athletics and academics. 

At the age of 16, Lydia has already achieved more than many do in a lifetime, having competed internationally in judo, established friendships around the world and achieved a balanced, albeit hectic schedule.   What’s next for Lydia?  College applications.

**Updates: In addition to winning the National Championship, Lydia has recently won the Judo National Junior Olympic Championships, earning her a spot on the US Junior World Championship Team.  The Junior World Championships will be held in October in Morocco.  Best of luck, Lydia!

 Watch Lydia's matches from the Junior Olympic Championships here:

Lydia's Favorites...

Favorite TV Show: Wizards of Waverly Place

Favorite Academic Class: Math

Favorite Athlete: Ryoko Tani, 4x Olympic medalist and was the youngest Judoka to place in the Olympics

Favorite Summer Olympic Sport: Judo