Golden Score trio tops podium at SA event

Randfontein’s Golden Score Judo Club has plenty to celebrate after three of its athletes delivered outstanding performances at the National Ranking Event and National Trials hosted by Judo South Africa.

The event, which took place at the Madiba Arena in Bloemfontein last month, brought together some of the country’s top cadet, junior and senior judokas, all competing for valuable national ranking points and the chance to qualify for major international tournaments. The trials, held alongside the competition, were used to assess athletes for possible national team selection for several key events taking place in 2026.

Golden Score Judo was proudly represented by three Randfontein athletes, all of whom rose to the occasion by securing first place in their respective divisions – an impressive achievement at this level.

Dane van Heerden competed in the men’s Cadets U50kg division, where he showcased excellent technique and determination to claim the gold medal. His disciplined approach and strong groundwork helped him finish at the top of the podium.

Madison Lombaard dominated the women’s Cadets +70kg division, displaying power, confidence and sharp tactical awareness throughout her matches. Her commanding performance earned her a well-deserved first-place finish.

In the Junior Men’s U100kg division, Johan Collins also impressed, overcoming his opponents to take gold and further cement his place as a rising talent in South African judo.

According to club spokesperson Simoné Swarts, the ranking event is one of the most important competitions on the local judo calendar, allowing athletes to test themselves against some of the best in the country while earning crucial ranking points.

She mentioned that the event also draws attention from across Africa and the international judo community, creating a highly competitive environment. Selections from the trials will play a role in determining national team representation for several major international tournaments scheduled for 2026. These include the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Senior African Championships in Nairobi, the Cadet, Junior and Senior African Cups in Gauteng, the Cadet and Junior African Championships in Casablanca, and the Region 5 Games in Mozambique.

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Swarts added that the strong performances by the Golden Score Judo athletes highlight the dedication and hard work of both the judokas and their coaches.

“Their success not only brings pride to their club but also to the broader Randfontein community. With achievements like these, the future of judo in the West Rand continues to look bright as these young athletes carry their momentum forward on the national stage,” she concluded.