“She was quite strong,” Andrews said of her Japanese opponent in the women’s cadet 70-kilogram-plus division.
Andrews was delighted with her win and said she had to keep it together for the bows afterwards.
On her second day of competition in Hong Kong, she claimed a bronze medal in the junior women’s 78kg-plus category.
The tour started in Macau and Andrews got a bronze there in the women’s cadet 70kg-plus division.
She again stepped up to the 78kg-plus division, and gained silver in the Junior Asian Cup.
Kelso, competing in the under-63kg division as a cadet, had a fifth placing on Day 1 in Macau.
She followed that up with a silver medal in the Junior Asian Cup.
The squad also attended a three-day training camp in Hong Kong.
Kelso said they did a lot of fitness work and trained with people from countries such as Mongolia and the Philippines.
They were also able to match up with people of similar weight.
“Overall, it was a really good trip,” Kelso said.
“I learned a lot from it.
“You’ve got to make the most of the opportunities given to you.”
Andrews said she liked competing in a sport she loved and getting to do that in different countries, as well as meeting people and experiencing other cultures.
They were also grateful for air-conditioning, because it was hot and humid there.
Gisborne Judo Club’s Kiki Velloza coached and managed the squad, alongside Garry Davies.
Velloza said Andrews was a standout performer on the tour, exceeding expectations and getting medals in all four of her competitions.?
The Gisborne teenagers said they enjoyed being part of the New Zealand team. They said they appreciated the people who helped get them to the level they had reached, including Velloza, Jason King from the Gisborne club, their parents and gym trainer Joe McQuillan.
Andrews said it was reassuring to have a team behind them and support at home.
