Boshoff relishes the challenge of going ‘solo’ against the best
An African title beckons for a young local judo star who recently won the Under-60kg weight division at a National Ranking Tournament.
As far as sport is concerned, Christiaan Boshoff does not want to rely on teammates. He simply loves the challenge of going solo, fully realizing that whether he wins or loses depends on him alone.
This is why the matric pupil at TuksSport High School decided a few years ago to quit playing cricket and rather focus on excelling in judo.
His decision certainly pays dividends because Boshoff has won more matches over the past three years than he has lost. At a National Ranking Tournament that was held in Stellenbosch recently, he won the Under-60kg weight division, fighting in the Under-20 age group.
Last year he was the South African champion in the Under-55kg weight division in the Under-20 age group. He also surprised by finishing third in the senior competition.
“My result when I competed against the seniors was certainly a confidence booster because I proved to myself that I am able to hold my own in a tougher competition” said Boshoff.
He is not one to dream small. When asked about his goals for the coming season he said that he wanted to win the African title and also give a good account of himself at the World Championships.
Winning an African title is not unrealistic. In 2012 Boshoff was third and in 2013 fifth at the Championships. If everything goes according to plan it will be the first time that he will compete at a World Championships.
If Boshoff should compete at Worlds, it could be a scenario of fools rushing in where angels fear to tread. However, this does not at all mean that Boshoff is a fool.
“I really don’t have an idea of what to expect. What I do know is that I am not only going to compete to make up the numbers. My main goal will be to learn from the best, but I also want to do my utmost to make my presence felt every time I step onto the judo mat. Who knows, I might even win a fight or two.”
When Boshoff was asked about brain versus brawn when competing in judo, he was quick to point out that it would be foolish to rely only on brute strength to win.
“A good judoka is one who is able to outsmart his opponent. He should be able to pre-empt what the opponent is planning to do and react with a counter-move. In other words, you can never stop thinking while you are on the mat.”
Boshoff’s ultimate goal is to represent South Africa at the 2020 Olympic Games.
