Judo Ontario Appoints Sasha Mehmedovic as High Performance Lead / Head Coach

The Board of Directors of Judo Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Sasha Mehmedovic as High Performance Lead / Head Coach.

A two-time Olympian and Olympic coach, Sasha Mehmedovic brings exceptional experience as both an elite athlete and coach. After representing Canada at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games, he spent more than a decade as a National Coach with Judo Canada before most recently serving as Head Coach and Assistant Technical Director of Shidokan Judo Club.

In his new role, Sasha will lead Judo Ontario's Regional Training Centre (RTC) and provincial athlete development programs, providing technical leadership for Ontario's next generation of high-performance athletes. Working closely with athletes, personal coaches, clubs, Judo Ontario staff, the High Performance Committee, the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), and Judo Canada, he will play a key role in strengthening Ontario's athlete development pathway and preparing athletes for success at the provincial, national, and international levels.

Judo Ontario gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) through the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative (OHPSI), whose investment continues to strengthen the Regional Training Centre and athlete development in Ontario. Judo Ontario also thanks Judo Canada for its continued partnership and support of the Regional Training Centre and the collaborative efforts that help develop Canada's future national team athletes.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – BRIAN KALSEN

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Judo Ontario community, I am delighted to welcome Sasha Mehmedovic as our new High-Performance Lead / Head Coach.

I have had the privilege of knowing Sasha since he was a teenager competing for Ajax Budokan Judo Club. It has been inspiring to watch him develop into a two-time Olympian, Olympic coach, and one of Canada's most respected high-performance coaches.

While Sasha's career has taken him across Canada and around the world, it is especially meaningful to welcome him back to Ontario, where his judo journey began.

I am confident his leadership, technical expertise, and passion for athlete development will have a tremendous impact on our athletes, coaches, and clubs as we continue strengthening Ontario's high-performance pathway.

Welcome home, Sasha."

MESSAGE FROM JUDO CANADA HPD – ANTOINE VALOIS-FORTIER

"I've had the privilege of knowing Sasha as both a teammate and a colleague. His experience, work ethic, and dedication to developing athletes make him an excellent fit for this role. We're looking forward to continuing to work closely with him as we strengthen the pathway for Canadian judoka."

MESSAGE FROM SASHA 

"I am very excited to be returning to Ontario and joining Judo Ontario as the High Performance Coach. I look forward to working with the coaches, clubs, and talented athletes across the province to help strengthen the high-performance pathway.

Judo Ontario has a strong history of developing great athletes, and I’m excited to use my experience to help support the organization's continued growth and success. I can't wait to get started!"

Brian Kalsen

President

Judo Ontario

James Cunningham

Executive Director

Judo Ontario