Connor McCabe is a young champion
MIDRAND – Young Connor has achieved so much in judo and hopes to take it to the next level.
Connor McCabe (12), who attends Beaulieu Preparatory and is a judoka (judo practitioner) at Tatami Judo Club in Bryanston, has won the South African Open Judo Champion title four times.
The SA Open Championships take place once a year in different provinces, and this year’s championships were held in Gauteng at Carnival City.
His mom, Belinda said, “Not only is Connor the SA Open Champion, but he is also currently ranked national number one in his category, and has been for the last four years. National ranking tournaments take place three times a year in selected provinces. He remains undefeated in this area too.”
Connor is also the 2016 SA Schools Champion for 12-year-old males (U50kg) Advanced Category.
She revealed that not only has he been awarded his full provincial colours each year from Central Gauteng’s Joburg Judo, but Judo South Africa has awarded him each year with Judo South Africa colours for winning the SA Open Championship and also for being ranked number one nationally.
Despite all of these achievements, Connor said, “It’s important to remain humble. Judo teaches you discipline, humility and respect. You must respect your opponent at all times, and fight with dignity.” He mentioned that his strongest support came from his father and also from his sensei, Basil Smith.
Smith said, “Connor shows dedication and promise which shows in his numerous achievements. I have no doubt that we will see him on an Olympic platform in years to come.”
Not too far behind him is his younger brother, Ethan (10) with some amazing results of his own. To name a few, he won his first SA Open last year at age nine. This year he earned a bronze medal at the SA Open and a silver medal at the SA Schools championships.
