02/11/2026
Having Jason Morris at the Chandler Challenge this year meant a lot to me and to our entire community.
Jason is not only a 4x Olympian and Olympic silver medalist, but someone who has spent decades giving back to athletes and helping grow American judo. Having him there signing autographs, talking with kids, reconnecting with athletes, and just being present on the mat reminded me exactly why exposure to people like him matters so much. For many of these kids, this is the first time they’ve ever met someone who has competed at that level, and moments like that can change what they believe is possible.
One of my favorite moments from the weekend was seeing Jason reunite with my little brother Sonny. They hadn’t seen each other in over ten years. The last time they were together, Sonny was still a kid playing baseball with a group of Olympic judo hopefuls from Jason’s in upstate New York, just getting some cross-training in between judo sessions. Seeing them together again all these years later felt like a full-circle moment.
Jason’s connection to our community goes back a long way through my dad, Harry Chandler, who was one of Jason’s biggest supporters during his Olympic career. My dad would call the local news after Jason’s big results, bring him out to the Dalton Judo Club for clinics, and was ultimately the one who sent me to train with Jason when I decided to chase my own Olympic dream. That history makes moments like this feel especially meaningful.
Grateful for the time, the stories, and the example Jason continues to set for the next generation.
