Laurie Wiltshire: A Role Model for Canada’s Female Judo Community

Montréal, March 5, 2026 – As a high-level athlete, dedicated coach, committed training partner, and lifelong competitor, Alberta’s Laurie Wiltshire has embodied the core values of judo—passion, dedication, and discipline—since the earliest days of her career. Her journey has been marked by an undeniable commitment to the sport, both in terms of performance and of passing on her knowledge to others.

Originally from Fort McMurray, Wiltshire discovered judo almost by accident at the age of 10, when she accompanied a friend to the local YMCA. She was immediately drawn to the sport, and shortly thereafter, she joined the Ni-Ten Judo Club, where she honed her skills, eventually earning a spot on the provincial team and competing in her first National Championships.

After graduating from high school at the age of 17, she left her home province to continue training at the National Training Centre in Montréal, where she spent several unforgettable years. As a high-level athlete, she represented Canada internationally in the under-52 kg weight class, finishing fifth at the 2007 Universiade, the 2009 Francophonie Games, and the 2011 Pan-American Games. She also won the United States Open in 2007 and was crowned national champion in her weight category eight years in a row, from 2005 to 2012.

Even more important than the results, however, are Wiltshire’s cherished memories of the experiences she shared with her fellow national team members.

“My most memorable trips were to the University Games, the Pan-American Games, and the Francophonie Games. Our team was very tight. From an athlete’s perspective, they were amazing experiences,” she said of that chapter in her life.

Before retiring from elite competition at the age of 28, Wiltshire returned to Alberta to continue training at Hiro’s Judo Club, where she still spends much of her time today. It is also where she first began to coach.

“When I came back to Alberta, I was still competing. I retired in 2012, but I was named apprentice coach for the Canada Games in 2011,” said Wiltshire, who quickly found her footing in the new role.

In fact, she has been teaching judo ever since, and she set up an interclub training group for young judokas aged 14 to 21 from three clubs in the Calgary area: Hiro’s Judo Club, Ishi Yama Judo Club, and the Airdrie Judo Club. Twice a week, young judokas with lofty ambitions train together for the National Championships and, in some cases, for international competitions.

“It’s a great starting point for them. They’re getting these types of opportunities at a much younger age than I did back in the day, and it’s wonderful to see,” noted the woman behind the project. “It’s a chance for them to do even more training, so that if they want to take it further, they can!”

In her role of coach, she has found a vocation that continues to fulfill her, while also allowing the next generation to aim for the highest levels of the sport. “It’s very gratifying. It makes me very happy to see them do well,” said Wiltshire, who takes a human-first approach to coaching.

“We first get to know them as 11- or 12-year-olds, and they don’t leave us until they’re somewhere between 18 and 21 years old. It makes us proud to play a small role in their progress. Judo helps them become responsible, well-adjusted adults. It’s lovely to see!”

An ideal partner

In 2021, Wiltshire served as an invaluable training partner to Priscilla Gagné as Gagné prepared for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, where she won a silver medal. “We were a perfect match! For each of the training camps before the 2021 Games, she came to Alberta, where training was more flexible in regard to the health restrictions, and we competed in several tournaments together,” explained Wiltshire, who quickly developed a close bond with her teammate.

The two judokas complemented each other well, and Wiltshire was able to accompany Gagné to the Games, where she had a front-row view of Gagné’s silver medal journey. “I like to think I played a small part in her winning that silver medal, yes. It was very gratifying, and an amazing feeling!” said Wiltshire, with a big smile.

“With all the rules surrounding Covid, it was an unusual time, but it was awesome to see her on the podium. We’re still friends to this day. We get along very well, and we keep in touch regularly.” 

Still as passionate about judo as ever, Wiltshire continues to train, and she now takes part in veterans’ competitions. She won medals at both her appearances in the World Veterans’ Championships in the under-57 kg (F3) category, capturing bronze in Las Vegas in 2024 and gold in Paris in 2025.

“You’ll still find me on the tatamis, no matter what. Sometimes I don’t coach, I just train with the other athletes, so I can stay in shape and be ready for competitions. I love it, and the other athletes are always happy with the results,” said Wiltshire, who works full-time for WestJet Airlines.

For as long as she is able, the 42-year-old will continue to balance her professional obligations with her commitment to judo, so as to pass on her knowledge, remain active, and perhaps even win more international medals!

“I definitely want to keep doing it, it’s just a question of balancing my work responsibilities with the fun of competing. But I like to stay in shape and enjoy my sport, and I’ll definitely take part in the World Championships again if the opportunity presents itself,” she concluded.

Through her career as an athlete and her work as a coach and mentor, Wiltshire continues to be an active contributor to the growth of judo in Canada. Her achievements inspire judokas of all ages, and she serves as a model of perseverance and dedication.

Your turn — step on the tatami.