His career as a world-class judoka began with his recruitment in 1978 by Canadian National Team coach Yosh Senda, and ended with his retirement some 11 years and 40 podium appearances later. Fred Blaney was born in Sudbury, educated in York County, attracted to judo in Fredericton, trained in Alberta, and honoured and cheered at major international events in North and South America, Europe and Asia. This four-time Canadian champion won 24 gold medals, 9 silver, 7 bronze; a 7th place finish at the 1984 Olympic Games, 5th in the World Cup in 1987; and a silver medal at the 1983 Pan American Games in Venezuela. From his home in Fredericton, he now devotes his energies to enriching and promoting the sport that gave him so much pleasure and acclaim. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 1st, 1996.