There is a saying "if you can see it, you can be it”. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) female champion, Ronda Rousey has similarly inspired local girl Madison Clarke, a green belt Judo Champion who was presented with a NSW Government State Representative Award by Member for Maitland, Ms Jenny Aitchison MP, last Friday.

Madison won the 2017 Judo N5W coaches Award-Junior Squad Junior Girls award. A student of the Kido Mingara Judo Academy, Madison turned to Judo two years ago after competing in Brazilian Jujitsu and Taekwondo, when her hero Ms Rousey took on judo.

Madison's judo has taken her around NSW, including Sydney, Coffs Harbour and the Central Coast. She has also competed in Canberra and on the Gold Coast. In the long term, Madison is keen to compete at the Olympics and also the UFC. With her dedication and the enthusiastic support of her family, Madison has a great chance of achieving her dreams.

The Clarke family are all keen on martial arts. Casey, Madison's younger brother is a keen competitor, having already amassed an impressive 100 medals, and her father is also a competitor.

Madison’s Mum and Dad, Julie and Steven, her brother Casey, her Grandparents Anne and Frank Clarke and family friend Mary Hines all came to the presentation of Madison's award to support her. Madison certainly has a bright future ahead of her.

Individuals of any age who have represented NSW in a competitive field (eg. sport, music, the arts or academic) are eligible to be nominated for a NSW Government State Representative Award. More information about the award, along with nominations forms, can be found here.http://www.jennyaitchison.com.au/awards-recognition