Golden Triumph: Jayda Fulp's Pan American Victory

Jayda Fulp ’25 went 3-0 to win gold for Team USA at the Cadet (U18) Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on April 22 with her club team, Chandler Judo Academy. 

Fulp had a bye to the quarter-final, where she defeated Charlie Thibault (Canada) with a counter in the last 30 seconds of the match to move onto the semifinals with Vice World Champion and Cadet World ranked No. 2 Sophia Camara (Brazil). The semifinal match was tied during regulation and moved into sudden death overtime, where Fulp scored an upset victory in the first 15 seconds of the overtime period. She then dominated Noilyn Aguilar-Bravo (Costa Rica) in the final, throwing her for Waza-ari (half point) and submitting her with a British strangle for the gold.

Fulp’s Coach Carrie Chandler, a gold medalist at the Senior Pan American Championships 19 years ago, shares a special connection with Fulp's recent success. This is Fulp’s fifth consecutive Judo gold medal in 2024, a remarkable feat that underscores her dominance in the sport. Her undefeated streak includes victories at the prestigious Chandler Challenge, Lonestar Classic, and Youth National Championships. Fulp's prowess extends beyond Judo, as she also emerged undefeated (26-0) during FWCD’s 2023-24 wrestling season, clinching both State and Prep National Wrestling titles.

Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in the Cadet (U18) 63kg (138 lbs.) Division, Fulp's gold medal at the Pan American Championships improves her Cadet World ranking from No. 42 to No. 7. The top eight athletes in the world are seeded at the Cadet World Championships, which will be held in Lima, Peru, in August. Fulp is looking to bolster her new ranking over the next few months. Next is the June USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

While USA Judo does not hold Olympic Trials, competitors earn their spots in the 2024 Olympics through a rigorous two-year cycle of Olympic qualifier tournaments worldwide. Fulp, being too young at the time, is now setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics. Her plan is to qualify through the same process, showcasing her determination and long-term commitment to the sport. With the United States hosting the 2028 Olympic Games, Fulp is excited about the opportunity to represent her country on the global stage.