Van Alstyne ISD sixth grader Madison Fitzsimmons is taking her talents to the international stage after qualifying to compete at the 2026 Youth Pan American Judo Championships in Cancun, Mexico.
The 11-year-old earned her spot at the Pan American Championships by placing in the top three at the USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships in June. She will now have the opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s biggest international stages, facing young judo athletes from multiple countries when the U13 and U15 championships are held Nov. 28 - 29.
For Fitzsimmons, the trip to Cancun represents the fulfillment of a goal she set nearly a year ago.
After winning her first national championship at the President's Cup in Dallas last year, her father remembers what she told him almost immediately afterward.
“The first thing she said was, ‘Dad, I want to earn Pan Ams,’” he said.
Getting there wasn't automatic. When Fitzsimmons turned 11, she lost the ranking points she had accumulated in her previous age division. To earn a spot at Pan Ams, she needed to rebuild her standing and ultimately finish in the top three at the Junior Olympics.
She did exactly that.
The accomplishment is the latest milestone in a judo journey that began almost by chance. While training in other forms of martial arts, a coach at her gym invited Fitzsimmons to enter a judo tournament and encouraged her to simply give the sport a try. Since then, judo has grown into something requiring significant training, discipline and commitment.
Her preparation includes cardio and strength training in addition to her time on the mat, but Fitzsimmons said the sport has also helped her develop skills away from competition.
“I can set goals for myself, and I can keep my time balanced,” she said.
Now, the next goal will take her outside the United States.
Fitzsimmons said she is both nervous and excited about competing internationally for the first time. Beyond the competition itself, she's looking forward to meeting athletes from other countries and experiencing something new.
“I'm really excited to see different culture and meet new people,” she said.
Her parents say the experience is about more than wins and losses. Competing internationally gives Fitzsimmons another opportunity to build confidence, gain experience and represent the people and places that have supported her along the way.
“You're representing not just your team,” her mother said. “You're representing your school, your city, where you come from, your family name.”
Fitzsimmons will put that work to the test when she takes the mat in Cancun Nov. 28 - 29.
“I'm super nervous, but I'm excited at the same time,” she said. “I'm super excited to compete at the competition, and I get to be next to the beach.”