Promising judoka rise above her circumstances
Although her personal situation is sometimes difficult, Geronay Whitebooi yet managed to establish herself as one of the most promising young judokas in the country
Geronay Whitebooi (19) does not only aspire to become the best female judoka in South Africa, she also wants to use her sport as a means to improve her family’s standard of living.
Judging by her results she is well on her way to achieve both these goals.
Recently she won both the senior and junior titles in the under-48kg category at the South African Open Championships in Stellenbosch.
When asked when the last time was that she had lost a fight in a local tournament, the Tuks/hpc judoka was not sure. “I think I have been unbeaten for the past three, maybe four, years.” Whitebooi readily admited her results do not tell the whole story.
“Things have not always been as easy as my results might reflect. My toughest opponent has always been myself. I have to overcome my stress and get into the right mindset before I step onto the mat and that is not always so easy. But if I manage to do that, nothing can stop me.”
Whitebooi made the most of the opportunity in 2013 to compete internationally by winning both the under-44kg category and the under-48kg category for u.17 girls at the US Open.
“I certainly owe much to Nikola Filipov, our coach at Tuks/hpc. He is undoubtedly the best. He literally gets onto the mat and shows us the best way to do the moves and he also fights with us to show us how to use this knowledge. He is constantly passing on his knowledge of judo, as well as of life, because just like we want the best for ourselves he wants the best for us.
Whitebooi considers the Olympian judoka, Jacques van Zyl, and her mom as her role models.
“Jacques is very strong minded. When he really puts his mind to something, he gives everything to achieve it. What I admire about my mom is that she is a real fighter who never gives up. When my dad passed away my mom had to take over the roles of both parents. It was a challenge to her then and it still is. She always does her best to provide for us, even though she does not have a proper job. In spite of this she finds a way to put food on the table and pushes through even when times are tough.
“I love judo but with this love comes a great responsibility to work hard to get somewhere. For me judo is a means to make something of my life so that I will one day be able to provide for my family. Although I might not be able to give them the world, I will certainly make sure that their standard of living improves.
“My ultimate goal is to represent South Africa at the 2020 Olympic Games and become the best female judoka our country ever had,” said the University of Pretoria B.Com financial science student.
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