Golden Score judokas stand tall among Africa’s best
Gold, silver and international experience capped off an unforgettable tournament for the Randfontein club.
Golden Score Judo Club’s athletes delivered outstanding performances at the African Championships, held at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg last month.
The championships are sanctioned by the African Judo Union (AJU), the governing body for judo on the continent. While the event is Africa’s premier continental championship, the competition regulations also allow eligible athletes from other International Judo Federation (IJF) continental unions to participate. As a result, local judokas competed against top athletes from across Africa as well as countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Romania, Greece, Pakistan and Malta.
Competing on one of Africa’s biggest judo stages, the Randfontein-based club returned home with a gold medal, a silver medal and invaluable international experience.
Leading the charge for Golden Score Judo was Dane van Heerden, who claimed the gold medal in the Cadet Boys under-50kg division. Van Heerden remained composed throughout the tournament, displaying excellent technical ability and determination to finish on top of a highly competitive international field.
Madison Lombaard also impressed, earning the silver medal in the Cadet Girls under-70kg division after a series of determined performances that showcased her resilience and fighting spirit.
In the Junior Men under-100kg division, Johan Collins represented the club with pride, competing against strong international opposition and gaining valuable experience at elite level.
Club celebrates international success
Club founder and director Michelle Diamond praised the athletes for their commitment and dedication.
“We are bursting with pride. These athletes have worked tirelessly to reach this level. Their commitment, dedication and countless hours of training have paid off. To see them compete alongside athletes from so many nations and achieve such excellent results is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Diamond also thanked the athletes’ families, coaches and supporters for their continued investment in developing young judokas.
A milestone for judo on the West Rand
The championships are regarded as the highest level of continental competition in African judo and form an important stepping stone for athletes progressing to higher international competition.
The event, organised under the AJU – the continental body recognised by the IJF and representing 54 African member federations – showcased the strength and growth of judo across Africa while also welcoming eligible international participants under AJU competition regulations.
“For Golden Score Judo, the results are another indication that the club continues to develop athletes capable of competing successfully on the international stage, with the West Rand once again celebrating sporting excellence close to home,” Diamond concluded.
