Carina Thomas

Carina Thomas (born 29 August 1958) is a Dutch former judoka. She was a member of the Dutch national team representing the Netherlands at international competitions.

She won the silver medal at the 1976 European Judo Championships in Vianna and also at the 1977 European Judo Championships in Arlon. At other internaiontal tournaments she had in total seven podium finishes between 1973 and 1978, including winning the British open in 1973 and 1976 and the Dutch Open in 1977. She became five consecutive times national champion between 1973 and 1977.

Judo career
Thomas started with judo at the age of 10 years old. She trained at sports school Van der Berg and got her black belt there. At the young age of 15 years old, she became Dutch national champion and had her first international victory, winning the British Open in 1973, beating West-German Ulla Hahn in the final. At the time she was to young to participate at official judo championships. She took her mascot Beertje, a bear in a judo suit, with her to all competitions

She was coached by national team coach Adri van Polanen.

Personal life
Thomas was born on 29 August 1958. Before starting with judo she was interested in horse riding and jazz ballet. In high school she attended HAVO. She delivered newspapers in addition to school and judo. After graduating she wanted to go to the  (ALO) to become a judo teacher.

References

Category:1958 births
Category:Living people
Category:Dutch judoka
Category:Sportspeople from Amsterdam