Vincent Lavoie: A 60-Something on the Tatami

Voici la traduction anglaise du portrait de Vincent Lavoie, accompagnée de tous les éléments SEO nécessaires pour publication web bilingue.

🇬🇧 Title: Vincent Lavoie: A 60-Something on the Tatami

If judo were an organ, it might well be Vincent Lavoie’s cerebellum—the center of motor coordination, balance, and procedural memory. At 64, he is a rare figure on the tatami, where judokas train and compete. Not only does he still take part in some of the most prestigious judo competitions worldwide, but he also wins.

“I turn a few heads when I show up,” he says. “But a lot of people know who I am.”

Many? Not enough. Here’s a look at a humble athlete and proud ambassador of Centre Multisports.

22 Springs on the Old Continent

Vincent discovered judo 400 miles north of Montreal in Abitibi, a region named after an Algonquin word meaning “where the waters part.” In the mid-1960s, a French immigrant was offering judo lessons to kids looking for something to do. A friend invited Vincent, and what followed was the beginning of a lifelong practice that shaped who he would become. His competitive journey took off quickly, but life’s path led him abroad after CEGEP.

At just under 30, Vincent moved to Europe for work and spent 22 years across the continent and in Asia. While juggling contracts in the tech sector, he continued to train and compete at a high level.

“Judo allowed me to meet people all over the world,” he says. “I wouldn’t have integrated as well without sport.”

Eventually, to avoid injury, he stepped away from competition—though he never left judo entirely.

So Close to the Olympics

Back in Canada for the past 15 years, Vincent returned to competition thanks to the growth of the veterans’ category—often starting at age 30 and now encompassing judokas well into their 60s. He quickly made his mark. Ten years ago, he was named best athlete at a major tournament in Montreal. His success stems from the same formula he’s followed since day one: effort, discipline, and refined technique.

“A lot of people tell me I’m an inspiration,” he says with a laugh. “I just want to enjoy myself. Win or lose, I give it my all. With good technique, you can beat someone younger and stronger.”

Vincent nearly made it to the Olympics. He was a national team hopeful for Montreal 1976 but was injured. By 1980, he was among Canada’s top three judokas, but the country boycotted the Moscow Games.

He now passes his hard-earned knowledge to students at Centre Multisports and proudly represents the club internationally.

Know Your Opponent to Win

Vincent’s deep understanding of judo sets him apart. He believes modern athletes surpass those of the past simply because the sport is constantly evolving:

“To succeed, you have to be well-rounded and not have any weak spots. I love teaching and learning—even at my age.”

His judo is shaped by decades of global experience, including exposure to jiu-jitsu from South America and Mongolian and Russian wrestling, both of which have influenced modern judo styles.

“It’s better to understand your opponent’s weapons,” he notes. “My judo has become more diverse with moves that are less traditional to Japanese judo. Thanks to the internet, adapting to new styles is easier than ever.”

Driven by the Heart

When we spoke, Vincent had just completed an XMAN obstacle race in Sutton with friends. He’s also run half-marathons and now prefers 10K races.

“Doing events keeps me motivated. When I know there’s a competition coming, I train more seriously.”

For Vincent Lavoie, judo is not just in his cerebellum—it’s in his heart. Because before coordination, before memory, comes love. Love of movement. Love of learning. And above all, love of teaching.