The Bahamas is back on the world Judo map with an impressive performance by the 14 member team that attended the US Junior Judo Open this past weekend. The competition was extremely tough in that there were over 22 countries and 600 athletes present.

"The athletes showed tremendous improvement over last year, they won over thirty percent of their matches and even those that lost were extremely competitive," said Bahamas Judo Federation President D'Arcy Rahming. "Many of the nations that we competed against have long standing traditions in Judo and combative wrestling. Despite that fact our kids were defeating opponents from countries as far away as Armenia."

The outstanding athlete of the Bahamian team was 10 year old Taryn Butler who won a gold medal in the girl's intermediate division by demolishing four opponents. Cameron Lynch and Cynthia Rahming won silver in their respective divisions, while Tajaro Hudson and Rashad Ferguson won Bronze medals.

The team ranged from age 8 to 18. Other competitors on the team were Duet Hanna, Erika Rahming, Navarre Simpson, Ferron Campbell, > Adam Carroll, Brandon Kemp, Dorian Kemp, Clement Butler and Nathan Williams.

"I believe Judo is the sport of the future for the Bahamas," said Rahming. "This was truly a family event with parents and grandparents being fully supportive, acting in many roles from  coaches to organizers. This is why we were able to post a better per person performance than most of the other nations present."

The Bahamas Judo Federation has its headquarters on Joe Farrington Road at All-Star Karate. The facility features a private gymnasium along with a world class Judo floor. Persons interested in assisting in the development of Judo nationally may call 364-6773.

COMISIÓN DE MEDIOS