Aussie girl, 14, awaits world Sumo contest

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CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A 14-year-old Australian girl who weighs in at about 280 pounds has been selected to represent her country at the Sumo world championships in Estonia.

Some observers have described Samantha-Jane Stacey, 14, as the country's strongest hope for a medal as she competes in the junior women's heavyweight division in next month's world championships, The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday.

"I love it because it's a physical, body-contact sport but you've also got to use your brain and have mental tactics." Stacey said of Sumo. "It's a perfect sport for girls because you have to think on your feet."

"I am so proud to represent my country and I want to keep doing it," she said.

Katrina Watts, president of the Australian Sumo Federation, told goldcoast.com in Australia that she is optimistic about the country's chances at the upcoming championships.

"The Eastern Europeans are very strong but we have got a great team who are very enthusiastic," she said.