Bensted gunning for gold in Birmingham
GEELONG judo star Jake Bensted says he is aiming to “come away with a gold” from Birmingham after earning selection in Australia’s team for the Commonwealth Games.
Benstead was on Wednesday announced as Australia’s 100th confirmed athlete heading to Birmingham, where he will join Katharina Haecker as the first and only Australian judokas to represent their country at two Commonwealth Games.
Bensted took home a bronze medal from Glasgow in 2014 but is eyeing gold this time around.
The former Belmont High student said he was pumped for the opportunity.
“I was very excited (to be selected), probably a little bit of relief as well,” he said. “It’s always stressful waiting for those phone calls, waiting to see if you’ve made it or if you haven’t.
“In 2014, I managed to come away with the bronze medal, so I’m hoping to do a little better this time, hopefully come away with a gold there.”
From a six-year-old wrestling with his cousins to becoming one of the first Australians to compete in the sport at the Commonwealth Games, Bensted said his upbringing had steered him into the martial arts sport.
“Growing up I had a lot of cousins and stuff, and it was always rough and tumble and I really enjoy that part of judo, the physicality of it,” he said. “It’s a real test when you go out there and you’re fighting against someone else. One mistake and the whole thing can be over.
“Everyone (in Geelong) will be really excited. It’s not just me going over there, I feel like it’s part of everyone else that’s helped me along the journey. This is for them as well.”
The Games start on July 28.