Kimura Judo Alberton is celebrating after two of its athletes returned home with gold medals from the Gauteng Open hosted by Joburg Judo at the Portuguese Hall in Turffontein.

Twenty-one-year-old Zander Woest claimed a gold medal in the senior +100kg division after a tough final. He secured victory in the final seconds of the four-minute bout.

Eleven-year-old Khalen Tylor Lewis also impressed in his first Gauteng Open, winning a gold medal in the advanced U50kg division after winning all three of his fights.

Khalen said he was thrilled with his achievement.

“The preparation for the competition was tough, but it shows that hard work beats talent any day. Thank you to sensei Monty and coach Zander for helping me,” he said.

Head coach Monty Kalil praised both athletes for their dedication and hard work.

“I am incredibly proud of Zander and Khalen for keeping the Kimura Judo Alberton name high. The spirit of our club continues to grow, and competing alongside our younger athletes inspires and motivates them to keep training and competing. We are already preparing for the next Gauteng Open in August,” said Kalil.

Kalil also thanked the athletes from Alberton Wrestling Club for helping prepare the judokas for the competition.

Kimura Judo Alberton trains at the Alberton Wrestling Club and welcomes new members interested in learning the sport.

For more information about the club, residents may contact Monty Kalil on 082 787 7126 or Zander Woest on 071 825 2679.