Kayden Barnard, who resides in Sunward Park, is planning to win the Junior Judo Championships, which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 21 to 24.
The trials to qualify for the championships were held at the University of Pretoria in February and Barnard outclassed his opponents in his U15 – U17 division to wear the South African colours.
The 15-year-old, who started doing judo at the age of six, said it is an honour for him to wear the South African team jersey and represent South Africa because that has always been his dream.
“I’m studying at Hoerskool Oosterlig in Sunward Park and judo is what I love. A lot of people have told me that I have a fighting spirit, so I plan to showcase my fighting spirit in the championships and make myself proud and every person that believes in me.
“In June I participated in SA Open Judo Championships that were held in Port Elizabeth and in that tournament I received a bronze medal. It was a good preparation tournament for me going into the Junior Judo Championships.
“My preparation doesn’t end there, I train five days a week – two days at the gym and three days with my teammates and coach at Kaizen Judo Club.
“My love for Judo developed when my father introduced me to it when I was only six years old. From that time, I fell in love with the sport because it taught me how to be disciplined and motivated.
“I also like to thank God for giving me this talent and leading me all the way to be what I’m today. I have accomplished everything and became a sports person because of God,” said Barnard.
Also Read: NWS karatekas ready for Commonwealth tournament
Also Read: Karateka delivers good results at tournament
