More judo gold medals for East London’s Donald Sutherland
East London’s Donald Sutherland, 55, continues to bring home gold with his judo skills.
The champion successfully competed against 400 others in the SA Judo Championships held in Gqeberha last weekend, taking home two gold medals.
Sutherland says this is nothing new — he has taken many before in the same competition.
His love for judo evolved from wrestling, which he began at the age of 19, but when he relocated from Witbank to East London in 2013 and there were no wrestling classes in town, he chose judo.
“I started judo, graduated and received my yellow belt, then went straight to the SA champs. I have a black belt now,” he said.
He said the sport had become his life — to the extent he would let go of it only when he took his last breath.
Explaining events at the weekend’s competition, he said: “We were 400 contenders in three different groups.
“The groups differ according to certain ages and I fall under the masters category.”
“I won a gold medal in the over-100kg category and under100kg category.”
Sutherland said his wins were the motivation behind him not quitting. “I have a black belt, I have Proteas colours and will continue this sport because I am in love with it and I love the competition.”
In preparation for the competition, Sutherland joined the Mixed Martial Arts club in Quigney and was a member of a judo club in Cambridge.
His highlights since starting were getting medals and taking first place at the SA judo championships.
“This is the third time I got first position,” he said.
“I was champion in 2013, then in 2019 and again this year. There were no championships in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19.”
Sutherland said he expected to represent SA at the Commonwealth championships, but details about where the competition would be held were still sketchy.
He said the key to success was hard work, dedication, perseverance.