Talented sisters fit lots into their schedule

Savannah (left) and Chelsea Bodman.Photo/Supplied.

Kamo siblings Savannah and Chelsea Bodman are a couple of busy kids. Savannah, 11, is in Year 7 at Kamo Intermediate and Chelsea, 9, is a Year 5 student at Kamo Primary School, yet they still find time to compete in three different sports - judo, gymnastics and football. Recently the pair travelled to Wellington and won silver at the national judo championships, after coming first at the North Island Championships. Savannah and Chelsea found some time to catch up with the Northern Advocate and reflect on their achievements.

You guys are busy, how do you fit it all in? What is the best part of it?

Savannah: I have to miss out on some trainings when they are on the same time but I train extra on the weekends. I enjoy learning new skills and improving.

Chelsea: I train during the week for gymnastic, soccer and judo but towards the judo competitions we train on Sundays at home or at the club with me, my sister and dad. I enjoy learning new skills.

I understand you're pretty good at judo and have done something exciting lately, what is it that you have done?

Savannah: I won golds for the Auckland International and North Island Championships for judo, and came second best in New Zealand for the under-40kg weight [in what was my] first year in seniors girls. I also made it in the Northland under-12s girl's soccer team and travel down to Cambridge, and placed third for the Northland Gymnastics Champs.

All was very hard work but it was worth it.

Chelsea: I won gold at the Auckland International Judo Champs for my weight in the junior girls division, and also won silver for the open weight - which was my second year winning the international champs. In early September we went to Gisborne for the North Island Championships and won gold as well. At the end of last month we went to Wellington for the New Zealand Champs and won silver. Gymnastics, I came first in Northland Champs. All went good.

Of the sports you do, which one is your favourite sport and why? What is it that gets you so keen to do all these sports?

Savannah: I enjoy all three and other sports but I like judo, because it's fun and challenging.

Chelsea: I like them all but I enjoy playing soccer because it's fun.

How much help are mum and dad with getting you places? Must be pretty fun travelling around New Zealand to play sport, what is your favourite part?

Savannah: Mum and dad help me a lot. Visiting new places with my family and having McDonald's heaps, yummy.

Chelsea: Mum and Dad always drive us to our games and competitions and dad helps teach us judo. Visiting new places and meeting new friends.

Mum and dad added: Super proud of our girls, they have worked really hard and achieve a lot, especially in judo, with only having each other to train with and enter in competitions that have big clubs with a lot more students to train with and compete.