Judokas fight for gold at Lowveld Open

Andreas Visagie (over 100 kilograms, 16 years old), Aniska Kleynhans (62 kilograms, 14 years), Karlo Moolman (35 kilograms, 11 years), Waldo Moolman (27 kilograms, nine years) and Jean Snyman (55 kilograms, 13 years) won gold medals in their respective age groups. Novice Claude Bason who competed in his first competition, also took home a gold medal.

Judokas from Phalaborwa, Tzaneen, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Swaziland treated the spectators to an action-packed day.

Some of the main events saw Protea fighters who are currently preparing for the World Judo Championships, one of them a visually impaired fighter, in action.

Karlo was up against the current u/11 33 kilograms South African champion in which he managed to win the fight in 12 seconds. Younger brother Waldo won all three his fights. Karoline Blom battled it out in the group six competition where she only lost one fight.

Results
• Gold medals – Andreas Visagie (over 100 kilograms, 16 years old), Aniska Kleynhans (62 kilograms, 14 years), Karlo Moolman (35 kilograms, 11 years), Waldo Moolman (27 kilograms, nine years), Jean Snyman (55 kilograms, 13 years), Karoline Blom (70 kilograms, masters 30 to 35 years)

• Silver – Leon Bezuidenhout (90 kilograms, masters 30 to 35 years), Heinrich Bezuidenhout (24 kilograms, six years)

• Bronze – Tegan Barath (52 kilograms, 14 years), JJ Bason (24 kilograms, six years), Sarel Marais (90 kilograms, masters, 36 to 40 years).