Friday, May 2, 2008; Posted: 5:15 p.m. (CDT)
Oklahoma City -- An Oklahoma City Police officer is going from the streets to the mat. The five year veteran and Olympic hopeful will head to Las Vegas next month to compete in the U.S. Olympic Judo trials. As KSBI-TV's Kealey McIntire tells us, he's spending every spare moment in the gym.
Everyday, Sgt. Brian Picklo steps onto the mat with a vision.
"It's the chance of a lifetime," says Picklo.
Next month, he'll compete in the U.S. Olympic Judo trials.
"Just having this opportunity to compete at the highest level is more than I could hope for," says Picklo.
He has been studying Judo for only six years and he's already competed in the Pan-American Games. Last month, he was a bronze medalist in the U.S. National Championships.
Competing at such a high level of competition requires plenty of discipline.
"I train twice a day doing Judo Tuesdays and Thursdays," says Picklo.
He trains a total of six days a week, four hours a day.
"That doesn't include the running and lifting which I do to supplement all my training on the mat," says Picklo.
Judo requires quick feet because you could be thrown to the ground in an instant. Picklo is working to perfect his throwing, submission and grappling techniques. He practices with the help of fellow officers who are willing to take a fall so he can improve.
"It's great to have that kind of support and family here in my department. The department's also allowed me to be flexible with my schedule to allow me to train," says Picklo.
Picklo wrestled for much of his life and was once an Olympic hopeful, but injuries took that opportunity away. He says Judo has given him a second chance, which is why he can't afford to lose focus of his vision.
"I have to know that this is going to come true. This is going to become a reality," says Picklo.
Picklo has a wife and three kids, so he says finding time to train is sometimes the hardest part. He wants to thank friends, family members and the department for supporting him.
The Olympic trials take place in Las Vegas June 13-17.
