Two elite Gatineau athletes to compete at Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Karate

Tashi Farmilo

In a remarkable achievement for Canadian karate, Karate Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have unveiled the names of the athletes who will be competing in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. Among the select few is a dynamic duo from Gatineau, namely Lily-Rose Nolet and Hana Furumoto-Deshaies. The athletes set to make their mark in the realm of karate are set to compete in various categories including kumite and kata.

Hana Furumoto-Deshaies, a proud resident of Gatineau, earned her spot in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games by clinching victory at the North American Cup. Furumoto-Deshaies' remarkable performance in the women’s kumite -55kg event, where she secured a silver medal at the 2023 Pan Am Senior Championships, stands as a testament to her skill and determination. The accomplished athlete recently added a Karate 1-Series A title to her accolades, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with on the international karate stage.

Expressing her excitement about the upcoming challenge, Furumoto-Deshaies remarked, “I am very proud to have qualified for the Pan Am Games, knowing that I get to participate at the highest level for my sport outside of the Olympics. I am very excited to have the opportunity to showcase karate alongside the other sports and increase its visibility. I want to live this unique experience to its fullest, go get that gold medal while creating unforgettable memories with my teammates.”

Joining her in representing Gatineau is Lily-Rose Nolet, a talented athlete competing in the kumite +68kg category. Nolet's achievements have been nothing short of impressive, including a silver medal at a Series A event in Cairo earlier this year. Her dedication to excellence and the pursuit of victory make her a fierce contender in the women’s Kumite category.

Lily-Rose Nolet shared her thoughts on this achievement, stating, “To qualify for the Pan Am Games with all of the other nations is an achievement for me. It is always an honour and an incredible feeling to represent Canada at international karate tournaments. For me, the goal heading into every competition is to win, and that will be the same at the Pan Am Games.”

The dedicated coaching team behind these exceptional athletes includes Pam Ross from Comox, British Columbia, who serves as the Head Coach for Kata; Francois Persico from Montreal, Quebec, the Lead Coach for Kumite; and Rodney Hobson from Kelowna, British Columbia, who holds the position of Kumite Coach and Sport Technical Leader.

The Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, scheduled to take place from October 20 to November 5, promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence. The karate events are set to unfold from November 3 to 5 at the Estadio Nacional. As Canada's finest karate practitioners, Lily-Rose Nolet and Hana Furumoto-Deshaies, along with their fellow teammates, are primed to shine on this international platform, aiming for glory and inspiring others with their dedication and determination.

Photo caption: Hana Furumoto-Deshaies showcases her karate prowess as she prepares to compete at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. The Gatineau athlete's impressive achievements and unwavering dedication make her a formidable contender on the international stage.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Karate Canada.