National success for Golden Score judokas

Golden Score Judo Club, located in Randgate, is celebrating an exceptional achievement following the outstanding performances of its athletes at the National Schools Judo Championships and the South African Open Judo Championships, held at the Feather Market Cillie Hall in Gqeberha in July.

According to Simoné Swarts, secretary of the West Rand Judo Association, the club’s athletes, representing both Golden Score Judo Club and the West Rand Judo Association, competed against some of the country’s top judokas and returned home with remarkable results, showcasing the dedication, discipline and fighting spirit for which the club has become known.

Leading the medal tally were four athletes who claimed national titles in their respective divisions:

• Isabella Rodrigues – gold Medal, Under 28kg Advanced, female division, 8-years-old (National Schools)
• Gabriella Rodrigues – gold Medal, Under 32kg Advanced, female division, 8-years-old (National Schools)
• Michael Morgan – gold Medal, Under 27kg Advanced, male division, 10-years-old (National Schools)
• Alvin Folscher – gold Medal, 100kg+ veteran male division (South African Open)

Swarts said the club also secured an impressive six silver medals and four bronze medals, contributing to an outstanding overall performance.

She added that while medals are a fitting reward for hard work and dedication, the club is equally proud of the four judokas who competed but did not reach the podium.

“In judo, success is not measured solely by medals, but also by personal growth, perseverance, sportsmanship and the willingness to continue learning and improving,” she said.

According to Swarts, every athlete who competed demonstrated the core values of judo: Respect, honour, courage, friendship, sincerity, modesty, self-control and perseverance. She added that the experience gained at national level would contribute significantly to each athlete’s future development, both on and off the mat.

Club founder and director Michelle Diamond said the club could not be prouder of the team’s achievements.

“We could not be prouder of our judokas. The results achieved in Gqeberha are a reflection of countless hours of training, commitment and sacrifice both on and off the mat. Whether our athletes returned home with gold, silver, bronze or valuable experience, every one of them represented Golden Score Judo Club and the West Rand Judo Association with determination, respect and pride. Their hard work continues to inspire us all,” Diamond said.

She also expressed the club’s gratitude to the parents, families, coaches and supporters whose continued encouragement and commitment made the athletes’ achievements possible.

Diamond said the club looks forward to building on this success throughout the remainder of the season while continuing to develop athletes who embody excellence in both sport and character.

“The achievements in Gqeberha are a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, teamwork and an unwavering passion for judo,” she continued.

Diamond concluded by also congratulating every athlete who represented Golden Score Judo Club and the West Rand Judo Association, saying the club is incredibly proud of each competitor.