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Jamaican Judokas punch ticket to 2023 CAC Games

Published:Sunday | April 30, 2023 | 12:28 AMOrane Buchanan - Staff Reporter
Members of Jamaica’s judo team at the recently concluded Central American and Caribbean qualifiers in the Dominican Republic stand with their coach, Luke Preston (right). From left (top row): Steven Moore, Tom Davis and Max Stewart, and from left (secon
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Members of Jamaica’s judo team at the recently concluded Central American and Caribbean qualifiers in the Dominican Republic stand with their coach, Luke Preston (right). From left (top row): Steven Moore, Tom Davis and Max Stewart, and from left (second row), Ebony Drysdale-Daley, and Ashley McKenzie.

FIVE MEMBERS of a Jamaican judo team headed to the Dominican Republic in a bid to qualify for the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games two weeks ago.

Quietly, the five punched their ticket to the CAC Games, the lack of fanfare belying the dominance with which they made their entry to the event.

Ashley McKenzie, Steven Moore, Max Stewart, Ebony Drysdale-Daley and Tom Davis left no doubts about their quality at this level.

McKenzie, who participated in the 60kg category, won all four of his fights, inclusive of a final victory over Mexico’s Moises Rosado that took less than a minute.

“I hope that winning here sets the team in the right direction. I am pleased, as we won our medals as a team. I’m also happy with the gold, as it’s my first competition back for a long time and just wanted to show what I was capable of,” said McKenzie.

Stewart, a new member of the Jamaican team participating in the men’s 90kg category, secured the bronze medal following a victory over Venezuela’s Carlos Perez.

The judoka was happy with the bronze medal as it came after a long time out of the sport with injury.

“It was great to be back on the mat again after a long-term injury, regardless of the result. It was an amazing feeling having the team behind me every step of the way, and I’m excited for my future as a Jamaican judoka,” said Stewart.

DOMINANT SHOWING

Davis, who competed in the men’s 100kg category, also left the Dominican Republic as a bronze medallist, following his dominant showing over Bahamian Alexander Strachan.

Moore, who also participated in the men’s 100kg category, was narrowly beaten in the final by reigning World Champion, Cuba’s Andy Granda.

The country’s lone female representative, Drysdale-Daley, was fifth in the women’s 70kg category.

Head coach of the Jamaican team, Luke Preston, was not only impressed with the team’s performance, but also with the team spirit from the small group.

“I am very proud of the team’s performance. Every single player fought for a medal and gave it their all. What impressed me, just as much as the wins on the mat, was the team spirit. Jamaica Judo can be very proud, and the future is bright,” said Preston.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com