Written by Eman Elmahroukey
Noran Elmahroukey is a 13-year old American judoka currently living in New Providence, New Jersey and competing in the 40 kg weight category. Noran started judo under the guidance of two-time U.S. Olympic Judo team coach and three-time U.S. World Judo Championship team coach, Sensei Yosshisada Yonezuka in Cranford. Once she started at age seven, she knew judo was her calling; she was happiest on the mat wearing a Gi next to Sensei Yonezuka.
Noran immediately started participating in local and national tournaments with great results as proven by her success as a 4-time New Jersey State champion since 2010. She won bronze at the 2014 USJF in Hawaii. Her dream is to stand on the Olympic podium.
Noran is now training with Senesi Chris Shelly in Fort Lee and Senseí Alfonso Pinto in Randolph. Both sensies believe in Noran and are putting in all the effort to get her ready to become an Olympic champion and world Champion.
In November 2015 she represented USA in Infantile Pan American team in Argentina. She got a gold medal in South America continent Championship and bronze in infantile Pan American championship.
In November 22 she won two gold medals in Dallas Open international tournament and in President Cup tournament.
Noran gets all the support from her teachers and her friends at school. When she came back from Argentina she went from the airport directly to class at New Providence Middle School after a 17 hour flight (two flights).The following day her language art teacher Miss Carbone and Noran’s classmates surprised Noran with a small party in the classroom. They gave her a big poster (Go Noran, Go Champion). That has a huge impact on Noran to see that kind of support and love from her teachers and her friends. She is grateful that she has all of them!
(above) Judo is Noran’s life and her dream is to one day stand on the Olympic podium.
(above) Noran’s work ethic is apparent when you add up all the trophies and gold medals she has acquired in her short career thus far.
