Theador Subba on a mission to bring Jamaica vibe to judo

With the muscles of a discus thrower and the reflexes of a sprinter, Jamaica’s first Para judoka, Theador Subba, could be mistaken for the next great track and field athlete from his nation.

Subba, joint flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony, is bringing some West Indian vibe to a sport which is almost unknown in Jamaica.

He only took up judo after the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and will make his Paralympic debut in the men's +100kg event at Nippon Budokan on Sunday.

“In Jamaica, judo is relatively new, to say the least. It’s three or four years old," he said. "We have other athletes, but I’m the only disabled athlete at the moment so I have to train with able-bodied athletes. It’s a challenge sometimes."

Despite Jamaica's recent entry into Paralympic judo, SUBBA is already adding a distinct national flavour to the sport.

“That’s just the Jamaican island vibe,” he said of his lively manner at the judo training hall. “On the mat, off the mat, everywhere - I bring a little bit of Jamaica. I try my best to teach other people the Jamaican culture.

“My goal is ultimately to get a medal. However, if I fall short, I want to guarantee that the experience was worth it, as these are my first Games, and to get some more people involved back home in the sport.

“I want to serve as a beacon to both able and disabled athletes by showing that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.”