The Tribune

EASTWOOD Judo Club, headed by sensei Neville ‘Mickey’ Munnings, led a team of judoists to the 31st annual USA Judo Championships at the Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over the weekend.

Munnings, a 5th degree black belt, trainer and coach, took the team that comprised of sensational judoist Xavion Johnson (male under-15/4.44kg), Noah Sweting (male under-15/4.58kg), Sara Thompson (female under-15/4.48kg); Dylan Simon (male under-13/4.47kg); Alexander and Daniel Strachan (Cadet male/4.47kg); Keith D. Saunders Jr. (male under-15/under 30kg) and Keilesha A. Saunders (female under -9/under 32kg).

There were 32 teams that participated and the Bahamas was par excellence in the execution of judo skills, techniques and methods that exhibited the pride of the 700-island nation. At the end of the day, one athlete stood above the wide field of international competitors.

Keilesha Saunders dominated the female under-9/under 32kg category, winning the gold.

Saunders also challenged competitors in the female under-11/under 37kg division, two divisions above her weight category and she secured a bronze medal, giving her the bragging rights by being the only athlete of 32 countries to walk away with two medals at these games.

The team was assisted in their trip by the Mita Group of Companies, Innovative Engineers Ltd, Original Patties, The Reef Restaurant and Selinco Marketing.

The team will travel to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Atlanta IJF/USJF annual Invitational Championships August 1-3 where Eastwood Judo Club hopes to control the mats and secure more medals.