Ethan Fölscher, a Grade Three learner at Laerskool Rapportryer, is a rising judo star with a long list of achievements to back it up.
Ethan is currently participating in the 34kg division. He first started his judo journey in 2022 in the third term as a Grade One learner. He then went on to join the elite squad in 2024 to prove his skill.
His first-term achievements started well when he secured first place at the Gauteng Open Event in February. He went on to take first place at the Grandslam Event on February 10 and thereafter participated in the Masakhane Event in March. More achievements followed in the second term when Ethan received his West Rand District colours in the process and was also chosen for the South African School Squad. Ethan managed a yellow belt at the grading event and placed first in his age group at a competition held at the Golden Score Judo Club.
The highlight of his second term was when he earned first place in the South African Schools U9 novice category (-34kg) which means Ethan is the 2024 champion.
In his third term, he managed to achieve first place at the Gauteng Open Event that took place on August 3.
“Judo is Ethan’s biggest passion. We can’t thank his coach Shombo Okende and Sensei Michelle Diamond enough for what they do and mean to Ethan. All glory to the Almighty for Ethan’s talent in judo and for always being his shepherd in all spheres of his life,” Ethan’s mother Linda said.
Further, coach Shombo placed first in the Masters Category at the South African Open Event.
