Christa Deguchi needs to 'chill': Canadian judoka chasing Olympic dream at Commonwealth Games

A recent victory at the Zagreb Grand Prix has Canadian judoka Christa Deguchi in better spirits as she begins on the long - and winding road to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Deguchi would like for that journey to end with her reaching her ultimate goal: becoming an Olympic champion. For now, that starts with the Commonwealth Games.

The 26-year-old was able to jump six spots in the world rankings with the gold-medal win in Croatia on July 15, moving up to No. 17 in the women's under-57 kilogram division entering her first Commonwealth Games. 

The Birmingam Games are also be the first opportunity for the former world No. 1 to represent Canada at a multi-sport event.

"It was very nice to win again [in Zagreb] and it made me look forward to an Olympics again," Deguchi told CBC Sports about her latest performance. "I'm excited [for the Commonwealth Games], I want more experience. I want to do the best so I can bring back the gold for Canada.

"This year, to win the worlds will be the biggest goal. In the future, to be a gold medallist in the Olympics – [that's] the final goal for me."

Deguchi is back on top at -57kg! Her ouchi-gari wins her the gold!