Greymont karate kid reigns
GREYMONT- Roosevelt Park High pupil has over 50 karate medals and was proud to represent South Africa in Zambia where he brought home a stunning gold medal.
Karate is arguably one of the most unforgiving and predatory sports conceivable. However, for Quintin Smyth (15) karate is not just a career opportunity but a fun activity.
Quintin became part of the Protea team this year and represented South Africa at the Zambia Zone 6 Championship where eight countries participated. He returned home with his head held up high, flaunting a gold medal.
“For me, just qualifying and to enter as part of the Protea team was a great achievement and honour. When I went to Zambia to represent South Africa, I felt a huge amount of pride and honour. Then, when I received a gold medal, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness,” says the humble Quintin.
The black belt holder, who is noted for his explosive style of kicking and hand striking, has earned himself over 50 medals of which 27 are gold. He was graced with his first gold medal in June 2005.
As an aspiring sportsman, Quintin understands the importance of hard work.
“I train for karate a few hours per day, three times a week and practice hockey and tennis at school the remaining two days. I often have karate tournaments or events on Saturdays,” he says.
But this well-built karate kid can do more than just defend himself in the ring.
“I have also attended and graded a few referee courses and help out at tournaments with refereeing,” he comments.
Quintin vows that karate training also teaches him to be humble, calm and focused.
Being the centre of attention comes with the territory.
“When my school principal made me stand up in assembly and told the school about my achievements, I was congratulated by teachers and pupils. Some of my friends told me they are proud to call me their friend,” he says proudly.
Quintin’s parents are nothing but supportive of their teenage boy.
His dad Keiron says it is easy to support Quintin because the precautions they have taken during training mitigate the risks. Quintin’s mother Anita on the other hand says, “It’s easy to support him but not so easy to watch. I cannot watch his fights.”
Anita, however, confesses that it was easy for her to spot her son’s sporting talent.
“He is very stubborn – once he sets his goals he doesn’t give up until he reaches them. He always said he wanted to be a Protea and have a black belt – didn’t know it was all going to happen in the same three months.”
Although karate itself may be used both as a weapon and shield – a devil and saviour – Quintin hopes to take it up as a career one day.
