By BRENT STUBBS
Senior Sports Reporter
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
IT was another big weekend for Xavion Johnson, only this time he added the open divisional crown to his continued dominance of the under-18 boys’ division at the 2023 Edmonton International Judo Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Saturday.
“It was pretty good. This was probably one of my best performances yet,” Johnson said.
“I still have some things to work out, but it was okay.”
Johnson said he came into the tournament with a specific game plan and he stuck to it.
In the under-18 division, Johnson had to face off against one of his team-mates from his training camp and after getting into the final, Johnson needed just one minute to dispose of his opponent to clinch the title.
He came on Sunday and competing in the open division, Johnson had a tougher time, but after facing the same opponent he met in the under-18 final, he got through with another victory. Then in the final, Johnson secured the title in a little over one minute.
“I feel really good. I felt like I went out there and did just as I expected,” Johnson said.
“I knew I had a chance to win the under-18 division, but I really wanted to get the open division and I got it too.”
This was Johnson’s third tournament for the year and out of the 21 matches he fought, he only lost two.
“I definitely have to work on my gripping and trying to improve on my groundwork,” he said. “I think if I can improve on these two aspects of my game, I will be able to do much better in the future.”
Johnson thanked his mother Ordain Moss and the local and international judo clubs that he’s a part of right now. He also mentioned the support he’s gotten from fellow judokas Cynthia Rahming and Andrew Munnings.
“All of their support has been tremendous,” said Johnson, who also thanked all his family members and friends, including his grand and great-grandmothers Tracey and Hazel Chea, godmother Udean Sattom and Paul Sattom.
“Without them, I don’t think I would be in the position that I am in right now.”
Johnson, 16, said he will continue to train in Canada with the hopes of qualifying for the Cadet World Championships in 2023.
His ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, if not to be eligible to compete in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.